The National Register.
London, England, 1816-07-07 00:00:00

ROCIIEiTER ELECTION.

Mr. Cams presented a petition loin W. Alston and other
freemen of Rochester against the retorts of Mr. Women, and
complaining of various illegal acts dorin4 the sdid election.—
Laid on the table, and to he considered within the lirst four
days of next session.
Arrtos WITH A SPANISH SHIP.
. . • - • •

Mr. Wiumtvones asked what information hail been re-
ceived of a Spanish vessel being captured ny a British ship
of war.
Mr. CROKER said, there had c.rtainly been a rencontre be-
tw et n a British ship and a Spanish slave-ship. He wished to
avoid giving any particular answer to the Hon Gentleman's
question, as the Noble Secretary for Foreign Affairs was not in
the House ; and it was possible some negotiation with Spain
as now pending.
Mr. WILBERFORCE conceived it to be his ditty to move for
papers on the subject. The Noble Lord on a former occasion
hail said that lie bad not received any intelligence, and he had
waited for information till now. He therefore moved for
copies of papers respecting an actimt lately between his Ma-
jesty's ship Ferret and a Spanish slave-ship.
Mr. CROKER observed, that if he saw any advantage likely
to arise from the production of these papers, be should not
:take the smallest objection to the motion : but no notice of it
had been given, and the Ministers were absent; and public in-
convenience might arise front producing the papers ; but no
good could be derived front it, as no parliamentary measure
could be founded on it this session. It appeared much better
to leave the :natter till next session.
Mr. W. Smillt could not see any danger in giving the papers,
as it was better to have an authentic account of the transaction
made public, which he thought would strengthen the bands of
Government in negotiating.
Mr.Husuissom said, t hat this was a case of a kind generally left
to the discretion of the responsible advisers of the crown.
Producing the papers might possibly occasion inconvenience;
and there was no prospect of its occasioning any advantage.
Mr. MA RRV AT thollolt much irritation might he occasioned
by the publication of the papers respecting the unfortunate
combat, while negotiations might be carrying on with the
Spanish Government. The less said anion it the better. Ne-
gotiation was the most likely way of obtaining the object de-
sired. . .

Mr. Honx FR could not see why producing the papers would
impede negotiation. The strength of our arguments rested
much on the puldicty of our opinions. and those of that House.
If there were no particular inconvenience in it, he thought the
accounts should appear in the Gazette.
Mr. CaoKeit observed, that smite amicable explanation
might take place ; and that Government might publish the
account in the Gazette, it it appeared necessary. A private
account of the transaction was hist received. Immediately on
the arrival of the official accounts at the Admiralty, a commie
meat on was made to the proper offices.

. .
The 11-10ti011 Wd4 withdrawn.
Mr. W. Sum( moved for an account of the extent in aifl
isimed against a Mr. Smith is itilston, who was debtor to Dai-
mon and Co. of Dudley. (to the 11th of June, the officers
entered Mr. Smith's house with the extent, intending to take
his person; hut he was not at horn... lint for the prod, nt and
moldy tesibtauce of bum partueta iu the ethicern,lifteett butt

JULY 7.

tired per4ons tni•Alit have been thrown out of employtn-nt.
Thi4 ease ought certainly to be placed before the He
nhoislil therefore move fur the copy of the extent at4ain4tJo44..ph
Smith.—Ordered.

A nte•o•age from the Lords requested a copy of the report ou
mcnolicit•

.....
The Lords' amendments on the gaslight bill were take o into
cou,itleration.

to
'rite bill wt.; opposed by Mr. CAWTHORNE., who movedpostpone it for three month. ; but there not beim; forty mem-
bers present, the house Na. couuteJ out. and then adjourned.

TL ERIIAY, JULY 2.

Returns of lives lost in transports since 1914 were presented.
On the further consideratiou of the Lords* amendments to
the gas light hill,
Mr. CILVY molts, opposed it, particularly as it affected the
whale-fishery, and the tineertaimy of the Inacitinery to he em-
ployed, and the ability of the compatly to light the metropolis:
39 miles of pipes were requisite; and any accident by the
stroke of a small hammer might put a neighbourhood into
darkness. .

Mr. Cititugn spoke to order, as it was not n,nal to go inlo
he general question un the mere consideration of the Lords'
amendments. _ _ .

A new WI it was ordered for Plympton.
General Tisiinsvron gave notice of a motion to impose penal-
ties oil clergy men deviating from the canons prescribing the
mode of celebrating divine service. Proecerling to espiniu
his intended motion, he was called to order by the Speller.
Sir a NOEL gave notice of a motion respecting the mode of
collecting the assessed taxers.