The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-06-07 00:00:00


opposed on publicgrog*
A been asserted, there misted- a legal doubt —~gas 818 wee
intselati-o noise, ennied the M I/
MleMatide ninierapeent &die Se if=lerirpeeirer-
lOMl►ietpfach
1111relser ate the oanniatet the Banns tree net d. Be
,11111.01 the House would din RON theaill, as he bad
!nem ti sh
eet
ant year then wouftleistroduced • Bill
Hreeoreln the
-11171111.• lee r riee*%f an lb.
gisprhlssi Ilirperty, wan amen of all pectin Be
Mr. Alden = WOOD supported the Bill. The
were not in a situation to go into a Court of Law. They wen
tined to going before the Lord Chancellor, who would not gnu op
hue to be tried in an inferior Court.
Alr. Alderman BRIDGES supported the Bill.
Air. CALCRA FT replied.
Sir JOHN NICHOLL observed that they would allow, it aa-
peered, the moon Rector to get 1,11001. a_ ear, which wee a pretty
good acksowledgment of the legality of his claim, and yet they
pr to give all succeeding Rectors only 1,2001. a-year.
to give
then divided—
Foe the Bill, lb Against it, 36 I Majority, 19
The Bill was then read a second time.
COMBINATION LAWS.
Mr. HUME, in presenting petitions from the Tobamonhos and
*pwrights of Dublin, praying that the House might net peas any
sew law upon the subject of Combinations, stated the
Dublin,
*ere reedy to prove that out of the whole fifty trades in Dublin, not
more than three or four imlividuals had been guilty of any acts of
violence. and they therefore hoped no measure might be adopted
en the lepresentations of masters, until all parties were examined.
The petition were referred to the Committee on the Confrinadon
Uwe.
BURNING WIDOWS IN INDIA:
Mr. HUME said* bad another petition to present, on a sub-
)aernhieh had been too much neglected—the practice of widows
immolating thetr.selves, in India, on the graves of their husbands.
The HOW. Monter for Weymouth (Mr. F. Boehm) bad moved
and °Wakened a masa of papers, which threw • great deal of
ice; by them it appeared that the number sacri-
-sr province of Calcutta alone, had been 717 in the year
IS 1820, Mg in 1321, and 614 in 11222. He would put
it us thelhillega and humanity of the House, whether it was fit
this is yaw so abominably atrocious should he allowed to con-
• •I doriesn it was acknowledged on all hands that the British Go-
nna. Sad the power to put an end to it at mice ? It was the
level many, too, on the Continent of India, that the sup
-
louden of that crime would be easy, and unattended with the
slighteetVerger.. Mr. Smith, the second Judge, in the paper of 1822,
says it might, lens opinion, be put an end to at once without the
slightest difficulty. The Chief Judge. Mr. Leyeester, says it might
be abolished iq the province of Calcutta and several other districts,
though not akogether; so that they had two of the highest legal
authorities in that coustw.in support of the practicability of die
destruction of that unchrisuan practice. It was not even teguiraid
by the Hindoo religion, fur Rain Alohul Roy, a Hindoo write? of
some eminence, had proved that it was not agreeable to the strict
tenets of that religion. They had thus the authority if those but
acquainted with India, that the practice might be abolished without
danger, with the proof that it was not required by the tenets of
their religion ; and he hoped that something would now be done to
take away foul • stain upon the humanly and good policy of
the English Government. He wohid here take leave to ask his
Hon. Friend (Mr. Buxom) whether he intended to bring forward
any measure an the subject., or had abandoned his purpose alto-
gether.
Mr. F. BUXTON said he was glad of the opportunity to state
that he had not abandoned his former intention, but. was deter.
mined to persevere on the first opportunity ; many circumeureas
had, however, operated this Session to deter him from introdudog
the subject—the Burmese war—the defection of a portion of tie
native troops, which had been as usual exaggerated into an evens
of importance, besides other consideratimis which might have placid
him under the situation of having it imputed to him that he was
bringing forward his measures at a very unseasoned*, puled. as
was determined, however, to introduce the guidon early s•pt
Session, for he was more than ever convinced of• its .
There were not, as his Hon. Friend had asserted, $ few hat e
but thousaads,sacrificed in that manner,in the province of Bengedk
the official returns admitted that 3,400 had been burnt in direness;
but he, had been moored that the actual number was mon thee
111011111 and from the English police officers being ordered to intersi
Mrs, only in eases where the •ictim expressed reluctance,an opinion
hod got abroad that the English elovernment countenanced the crime'
In the Hindoo woman there was left an alternative of either leadfog
• life of chastity, peace, and austerity, or sacrificing herself on the
funeral pile of her husband ; and the question simply was whether
they would compel them to adopt that course which was conform.
able to the spirit of our religion, and not averse to theirs, or lone
them to continue a practice at variance with humanity, good
Bey, and Christian principle ? The Resident, Alr. Metcalf,
abolished the practice at Delhi without the slightest murmur. t
had been discountenanced by the Moors, the French, the Dutch,
the Portuguese, and every Power which ever held India. Albu-
querque, when he conquered Goa, abolished the custosti and the
historian in relating the circumstances observes, that although to
change their customs was almost inflicting death, yet that •
feral life, and rejoiced in him who had effected that good, .mew
the English then the last and sole possessors of Indio to he re.
seeded as the only people which neglected that cruel peae*l sot
suffered it to continue unchecked ? He trusted not. It hod ben
shown they could abolish it with ease, and he pledged himself es
early as possible next Session to afford them the opportunity.
Mr. GRANT was favourahle to the abolition of the practice, if
It could be done without shocking the prejudices of the Hindu&
He had once conversed with a learned and rich Hindoo upon dm
'object, • man who had even been so liberal as to educate his only
IWO after the Engli,ll custom—one of the most enlightened men
,of the Brahmin religion he had ever met with I and yet that man
had asserted it was agreeable to the nature of thcir religion, and
ought not to be changed. The lion. Gentletnan, the Member for
Weymouth (Mr. Buxton) had told them it was not a necessary
part of their religion ; but although not necessary it was like the
taking of the veil in the Roman Catholic religion, a thing fO,l
which they were much commended. They had therefore great pro.
judices and strong customs to contend against, and be thought
they should be very cautious in their proceedings.
Dlr. C. W. WYNN said there could be no difference of opinion
as to the cruelty or impiety of the practice, but he was afraid the
measures already taken to check it ; had rather encteued its preva-
lence. They must not think they were legislating for a few silly
females ; they were making laws for a country nearly 1600 miles
from north to south, and the sante from east to west, and the reme-
dies they might apply to one place would be very unfit for another.
Much would depend on the character arid influence of local Magi.
atra'es in checking its prop- as, but he thought they should not too
rashly prohibit a practice which had continued since the time of
Alexander the Great. ThPy might prevent them from burning
themselves, but could they hinder them from starving or drowning
themselves, or using any other immediate means of conforming
with the superstition of the country. Ile would give his consent
to its being wholly prohibited in those dis.ricts where it had already
fallen into disuse, but he thought that going any further would not
be attended with the effect the friends of humanity anticipated.
Sir CHARLES FORBES thought the practice might long ago
have been put a atop to. If a law passed declaring all those who as.
sisted at such sacrihces to be punished with death it would hare the
best effects. In Bombay, containing 200,000 inhabitants, of
whom three quarters were Mottoes, there had not been a single
sacrifice in 20 years, and only one attempt,which had been promptly
and effectually stoprd by the Governor, and if others did their duty
as eCiciently,lie was of opinion the custom might be altogether sup-
pressed.
Mr. HYDE EAST was of opinion the discussions in Parliament
would increase the practice. (No, no.) It had been said that the
number of Alissionaries increased the aversion of the Hindoos to
the Christian Church, and he thought they might be more usefully
and charitably employed if they were left to themselves,and could
persuad tliellndian widows to marry instead of burning on the holies
of their husbands, (A laugh.)
Mr. W. SIIITH expressed his conviction that if Government
were to exert gulf against tho present system, it would easily be
defeated, and he was satisfied that if instructions were transmitted
from this country, the practice which had been so justly complained
of would he effectually put down.
Al r. 310 N EY thought, that if Government were to exert itself, the
system that at present prevailed could easily be put an end to. He
begged to state a circumstance -which had fallen under his own ob-
servation :--A woman, a widow too, had been subjected to be
burned ; application was made to the civil authority to burn her,
but the Magistrate remonstrated, and his remonstrance was so far
successful. as to prevent her being burned. lie was satisfied that
if sionler exertions were made by the Alagistracy, an end would be
put to this practice, as, in the instance to which be had adverted,
the persons engaged in the burning of this woman were deterred
from doing so, as they were threatenorby the local authorities with
being subject to a prosecution for murder if they prosecuted that
engagement, This showed, that if the authority of Parliament
were to interfere, the system could easily be put an end to.
Sir 1. COFFIN thought that this country ought not to interfere
with the religious prejudices of the people of India. (Hear, hear.)
He was therefore &theme to any measure which had a tendency to
such interference. (Hear.)
After a few observations from Mr. BETXTOg, Mr. Hum', and
Mr. EAST, the petition was ordered to be primed.
NOTICES OF MOTIONS.
Mr. HUM E gave notice, that to morrow he would move for certain
papers relative to the number of state prisoners confined in his Ma-
jesty's gaols in the United Kingdom. The Hon. Member also
gave notice that on Wednesday he would move for the production
of certain papers relative to the promotion of officers to Chelsea
HospitaL
IRISH BURIAL BILL.
Sir J. NEWPORT moved that the House resolve itself into •
Committee on the Irish Burial Bill.
The several dames were agreed to, and the Report, after a
desultory conversation bete/eels Mr. S. Riot, ink a. H. INGLIS,
Mr. Gounaliae, &c. was ordered to be broe or 10-morrow.
111 A UJRITIUS TRADE B t
Mr. HUSKISSON moved that the House resolve itself into a
Committee on the Alauritius Trade Bill.
In reply to a question from Mr. Ottertail.,
Mr. BUSKI&ON said the object of this Bill was to place tee

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sus opinion to..
' Iloaitieg the irnportation of Colonial produce < Wand.
Mr. TICS/US:ION replied. The Bill now before the House
11•1_1•04•C•4 as a separate Bill. in compliance with the suggestion
Gewlemen connected with the West Indies. The regute.
don proposed by the Hun. Member was provided for by another
Bill (the Colonial Intercourse Bill), which would be read a third
tirse that night. If the Colonial intercourse Bill should he re-
jected, he would consider it his duty not to press the operation of
the present Bill.
Air. BRIGHT deprecated the practice of introducing one Bill,
the omissions of which were to be vertieed by the provisions of
another. Stich a system was only calculated to mislead the country
It produced the certain effect of making the statute book confused,
instead of rendering it more clear, which woe the object of every
one in the House, except, perhaps, the Right Honourable Gen.
[boas.
Me. HUSKISSON dolled that his object ass to mislead the
country. He expressed himself incapable of such an intention.
There was no inconsistence in the present measure; its only object
was to put the sugar of the Mauritius on the same tiootiate as that
of the West Indies. This was a distinct object. As to the imports.
tion of foreign sugar, both those Colonies stood on a different foot-
ing, and the Bill before the House diet r.ot alter the relative state
of things.
Mr. BRIGHT said he lad not meant to charge the Right lion.
President of the Board of Trade with the intention of nesleading
the country. He repeated, however, that the passing one Bill,
whose operation depended spon the passing of another, was a sys-
tem pregnant with confusion.
Mr. HUSKISSON conedered the Iron. Gentleman's opposition
inconsistent mod vexatious.
Mr. BRIGHT explainet.
Alr. W. HORTON observed, that the object of the present Bill
was to put the trade of the Island of Mauritius on the same Mining
as that of the Island ofJonsica t not only as to the importation of
sugar (the growth of that colony) into this country, but also as to
the importatimt of fereign auger, which might be hitroduced into
this country ffeen the Island of Mauritius.
Mr. BERNAL was sorry the President of the Board of Trade
had taken up this subject in the spint which he did. Ile repeated
what he had before asserted, that the framing of the Bill was ex-
cessively defective, and might herd to the introduction of foreign
sugar into the Mauritius, and Iron thence its imeortatiou into this
country.
Me. W. HORTON proposed the intmduction of an amendment
to meet the objection of the on. tientleman.
Mr. HUSKISSON land his principle was, in opening the home
trade to the colonies, to prohibit the importation of foreign sugar
into them.
3lr. ELLICE admitted that thr, subject was of great importance
to the West India interest. lie contended, however, that the price
of IVest India sugar must be repeated by the price of sugar all
over the world. He thought his (Majesty's Ministers deserved the
support of the House, when it was considered how much their en.
deavours were impeded by opPosin; irterests. The Bill met his
cordial assent, and he should morn it through all its stages.
Mr. T. WILSON did not think this measure sliculd be intro.
duceol to the prejudice of the M'est India interest. The market
should not be suddenly inundated 'kith sugar which it was not
contemplated could have come in.
Sir R. FARQUHAR conceives that •the Island of Mauritius
had a strong claim to the consilerstion of the House, in conse-
quence of the expectation held out during the last Session.
Mr. PLU3I MER complained of the injustice of any measure
which had a disadvantageoto edict on the Il est India interest.
After a few explanatory theervations from Air. lisionT and
Mr. W. liOnToW, the several clauses and amendments passed the
Committee.
The House then resumed, aid the Report was ordered to be re-
ceived to-morrow (this day).
COLONIAL INTERCOURSE BILL.
Upon the motion of Mr. HUSKISSON, the Order of the Day
for the third reading of the Cebsial Intercourse Bill was reed.
Mr. BARING said the commercial regulations proposed by the
Right lion. Gentleman (Mr. Huekiseon) wore of the utmost im-
portance, and excited intenseinterest in the coontry. He begged to
understand whether it was the Right lion. Gentleman's intention
to add any thing to the general statement which he had made early
in the Session, as he (Air. Baring) understood that it was resolved
to make sonic alteration in the regulations then proposed.
HUSKISSON said the principle of the new regulations
with respect to the Colonies was, to put the trade of those Colonies
on the same footing as that of Ireland. This was the object of all
the alterations in the system of the Colonial trade. As to the row
commercial regulations, he intended to trouble the House on Friday
next with a statement explanatory of some intended alterations
made in consequence of representations from the various parties
whose interests were involved.
Mr. HUME contended that it was inconsistent to open the trade
of this country to the Colonies, whilst the necessaries of life im-
ported into those Colonies were taxed to such an excessive de-
gree.
Mr. HUSKTSSON said there was not an article the importation
of which was prohibited in the Colonies, the importation of which
was not also prohibited into the United Kingdom. If the Colonies
were placed on the same footing as Ireland with regard to imports.
tion„ they had no right to complain.
The Bill was then read a third time and pameil.
THE DUKE OF CUMBERLAND'S ANNUITY BILL.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved that the
House should resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House
on the Duke of Cumberland's Annuity Bill.
Mr. BROUGHAM said, as various discussions had already
taken place on this Bill, every Hon. Member must have had an op-
portunity of expressing his sentiments on its merits. Asa Right
Hon. Secretary had forcibly observed, the less that was now said on
the subject the better. (A laugh.) In moving the amendment with
which it was his intention to conclude, he del not mean to trouble
the House with many words. They were not called upon to dis•
cuss the adequacy or the inadequacy of the provision formerly made
for the Duke of Cumberland. They were asked, in an indirect
way, and by a circuitous route, which had In it little of frankness,
honesty, or candour (hear), now to grant what lied been previously
refused. If any lion. Member thought the former decision of the
House wrong, that Hon. Member had betrayed his duty by ne-
glecting to have that decision repealed. This would have been the
candid and manly way of acting. If any Hon. Gentleman now
thought that the forma decision of the House was wrong, let hint
now rise in his plate and propose that it be rescinded. He (Mr.
B.) did not think any Hon. 31eniber would make such a pro.
position. But why call upon the House to vote by a side wind
(hear, hear.) what was refused upon a direct proposition ? It was
proposed now to grant to the Duke of Cumberland, under pretence
of granting to his child, what hail before been refused upon a direct
Without further preface he would conclude by mov-
ing, as an amendment, that the House resolve itself into a Corn-
mime upon this Bill that day six months.
Mr. COKE said it was evident the proposed grant was intended
to benefit the Duke of Cumberland himself. A grant of 6,0001.
per annum, for the support of a child, bore an absurdity upon its
face. (Hear, bear.) When he looked upon the number of place-
men who came forward to vote upon this Bill, lie considered the
proposition an insult to the Rouse. The public, he had reason to
think, would feel much disappointed if this abominable proposition
was acceded to. For his part, it would only prove to hint what he
had always mairetaieed—that the House of 'Commons was most
corrupt.
Mr. DAVENPORT said this grant had been refused six years
ago, and it was a gross inconsistency to endeavour to reverse the
decision of the House by an indirect ',reposition. (Hear, hear.)
The present proposal was intended, to ell intents and purposes, as a
reversal of the former decision. He could not support Ministers in I
such a measure, but he must do them the justioe to say that they '
deserved much credit, for the knowledge which they displayed in
military tactics, and which was evinced by their putting the infan-
try in the front of the battle (hear, and laughter.)
Mr. H. SUMNER could not look upon the present proposition
as any thing less than a motion to reverse the former vote of the
House. He belimed the allowance made to the Duchess of Kent
was inadequate for the support of her station ; but she had ma.
naged it with prudence and frugality, and conducted herself with
an amenity of reamen, which- secured fee her universal respect. '
He had no objection to the proposed grant to the Duchess of
Kent, but he thought, if the Duke of Cumberland remained
abroad, 18.0001. a year was a perfectly adequate income. He
was perfectly ready to make a grant for the education of the
young Prince, but he did not think the grant ought to be made to
the Duke of Cumberland. The allowance proposed was, in his
opinion, too large. He conceived that if the young Prince were
brought home to this country, tutors might be obtained for him of
the greatest abilities, who would feel themselves amply paid with a
much less au it ; he thought two or three thousand pounds a year
would be quite sufficient to secure the best talent for educating the
young Prince suitably to his high station in society.
Mr. J. BENETT congratulated the House, and he also con-
gratulated the Country, at the honest inclination that had been
evinced on this question by Hon. Members on the opposite side of
the House. When be saw Gentlemen, who as almost all mot-
aims supported his Majesty's Ministers, express themselves so
warmly and so strongly on a motionfor a grant of 609111., to a
member of the Rossi Family, he thought there must be Some
strong reasons against the grant being made. When they consi-
dered what his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland already
received, and that he was liviog Rom this cenntry, badmen it
was too much to ask the Houle to grant him an additional NM ef
60001. He could only say, that he did hope that the example of
those Hon. Gentlemen would, on this occasion, prove to the
country, that there wan still a large portion of honesty and hue.
grity in the House of Commons.
Sir GEORGE SVARRENDER said be could not, as this
occasion, content himself with giving a silent vote. Ile emealnly
felt that the Duke of Cumberland was Imlay dealt with. He ab.
stained to camas his sentimeats to she Haase on the rortamoses.
sins, became he felt that sae la hissabeedlente anodes' Soodd
with more'g give way ee fileatimnen el paha weiglienod
iniltettee. Oa hit eiertimee ami as his benanrimabilinmil ll*
ewers, of the isseameises mods spinet his Royal akin= mote
made mithent nag ilemmiodao wharawar. Re 'sail leg, twos Ys
ow, knew that the Duke, ore the as hie damns& semilets
iriergieFare along idgivitisaldrimalilloyd =5
that albumin* had So Ilie mhee Itimenent the
Nee* Ihaftholl bet him ol a eight tisAblioes• mow-
beneetho lliageb use m [adds mmidoll to to ow-
al his ilhotoriesswedmiwas It wee a *ld* r'
iMdfand to lie Primo, to ids the eio-

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THE BRITISH Page
tering rpstet, he wee sure, have fancies: the' by sante mistake they bland of Mauritius on the same tooting lathe %IVfats Islands, ppion
MINIM bee @e Court of inks Bm• -a. AA beigh4 Ihe net only PA to the ionpartation. of super, bet Puss to the imports- Sneed
rssati` I 4 tulleutwe ir did Mr• lion of other coinrnodities. of the
Pen the' manner In which It lately appeared private Alf. BERNAL inquired what would be the result if the Mau. he wou
truism um emedieeteAt -be Ad nu wile to Wafers in the Palms Bill poised and the Colonist Intercourse Bill skald bi re. I his hi
slightest aisle. with Pry BM which MVP be considered jested ? In his opinion there should be t.o passible objection to i cen.idt
private. The pusses ono bs qmesed on public greelede ; Ifu it iLing the importation of Colotiel produce into that is/and. I which
has bees asserted, thus =imbed a legal doubt wilist this Bill wee Mr. lII.'SK.ISSON replied. The Bill now before the House gave :v