The National Register.
London, England, 1816-02-25 00:00:00

PETI. 25,

The .logy acsideucc bill neat through a committee.
puraed.

rnioAv, FEERVATLV 23.
IN CON' TAx.

Petitions against the eontitioanee of the tax on property were
presented from Yarmouth, Alahien, Il.lth, Stilliing, and otiose
places, and were resimetitely 1 tderrd to lie on the table.
Mr. By xi; present, it a similar petition flout the parish of
St. Luke, Middlesex, sigt,ed by 3,500 householder:, and pray-
ing the house not to sanction those unconstitutional measines
for the inerease of a large military establishment, whirls could
alone render necessary the re-imposition of so unjust, partial,
and oppressive a burtlien.
31r. BN NG iiii,C%tiAe presented another of the sante nature
from the parish of St. Mary, Islington. Ordered to lie on the
table.

Sit JAMES SH ‘l4" presented petitions ozninst the property tax
Crum the wards of Portsoken, Altkute., and Itkliopsgate.
Sir WILLIAM CURTIS presented petitions to the Aatne effect
from the wards of Candlewick and Farringdon Without.—Or-
ilertil to lie on the table.

Mr. (ions: I...‘siurox presented n petition containing the
like prayer from the inhabitants of the city of Itatli.
Sir 'lutist As ACKLAND presented a petition, signed by 500
land.owners, cultivators, and renters of land. in and about the
city of Exeter, prating relief under the present s)stein of
taxation.

The petition was then ordered to ikon the table.
Sir Dom ss ACKLAND presented several other petitions of
the same description, which were ordered to lie on the table.
A new writ was ordered to be issued tOr the borough of I'ar•
mouth, in the Isle of it ight, in the room of Sir Henry Mont-
gomery, who had accepted the Chiltern Hundreds.
The bill for the abolition of the puni•luoent of the pillory
was brought in and rcad a first time.--Ordered to be read
Second time this day e'nnight.

Leave of absence, on account of urgent business, for one
mouth, %vas grauted,aftersnme objection. to Mr. Grattan.

tiEN ER

Mr. JONES inquired whether the expense of the monument
to the memory of the late General Picton was limited to 3,000
guineas% He asked the question, herause he understood there
were in St. Paul's moimments to officers of the rank only of
rust-captain, which had cost 4,000 guineas.
Mr. Lost: said, the subject belonged to the department of
the treasury, which had limited the expense to 3,000 guineas.
One cause of the difference in the expense allotted to by Jim
Hon. Gent. was the great alteration which had taken place in
the price of marble, which from Aix guineas had fallen to two
guineas a foot. General 3loore's 111011111114:11t hail cost 4,000
guineas; but it was to be observed, that when Gen, Moore
fell, lie was the commander-in-chief.

Mr. JONES was not satisfied with the Right Hon. Geutleman'
explanation, and should therefore take an opportunity of bring
Mg the subject before the House.
LORD ELGIN'S MARBLES.
The CHANCELLOR of the Exesexnegit rose, in pursuance of
his notice, to call the attention of the House to the collection
of marbles in the possession of the Earl of Elgin. Towards
the close of the last session of Parliament, the Noble Earl had
presented a petition to the I loose, pra3 Mg that an inquir% migll
be made into the valve of his collection, which he was desirous
of telling to Government for the use of the public. 'l•he cir-
cumstance.: under which the Noble Lord had become possessed
of those matchless productions were so ttcll known, that the
Right Hon. Gentleman would not trouble the House at any
length on the subject. They were acquired by him, in the
course otitis mission to Constantinople, with the greatest ex-
ertions, and at a very considerable expense, and might be justly
considered as the most valuable works of art that had ever
been brought from the western parts of Europe•. Every perm n
acquainted with that Noble Lord must be sew are, that his ob-
ject had been solely directed to the advancement of the arts;
but being unable,frnm circumstances which itwas then unneces-
sary to t epeat, to futill his munificent intentions. he was natural-
ly anxious that the public should enjoy the ads :image ufhis la-
bouts. As to the amount of the remuneration to be given to
his Lordship, the Right Hon. Gent. wished to lease it to the
judginent of tin. House. 'l•he collection was too well known
to make it necessary tbr him to reWr to the opinions of the
most eminent artists ; it was, beyond all question, the most an-
cient and genuine that had e% er appeared, and the country
would be naturally proud of possessing a mass of models for the
arts, whkh the united collections of Europe could hardly pro-
&tee. The committee, however, fur which he intended to mos e,
would be enabled to call proper judges before theta in order to
ascertain the value. It was agreed, On built sides of the House,
that, in the present situation of the country, it was in the high-
est degree desirable to avniu any unneccomry expenditure ;
but it should not be forgotten, that it' the present opportunity
were missed, it alight nes er occur again. He saw no prospect
but, in the course of x short time, these exquisite works of art
must be dispersed, or disposed of to foreign purchasers. The
House had before an opportunity of acquiring a vahiable vol.
lection, and they had, for public purposes, and on public
grounds, availed themselves of it. They bad now tiw otter of
more splendid collection ; and it was certainly one of the must
wonderful events of the day, that the works Of should
become the properly of a native 1.1 l•uledonia. The desire of
conterring honour on the arts, as well as on the arms of this
country was the *yet of his motion; for, of all die :me, scalp-
tore was at present the least flourishing w England. lie should
therefore move, That a select committee he appointed to in-
quire whether the collection of the Earl of Elgin ought to he
purchased ; and it' so, what price ought to be attired for it ?
alid that the said 1111 l ittve should adjourn from plaer to place,
that they might have power to examine the works of art, and
to call proper persons before them.
Lord Ossel.,,TUN thought the house should consider whether
an ambassador ought to he permitted to avail himself of his
official character to possess such valuable muunmcuts,•aud at to convert them to his own use.

31r. BA NKES conceived that the committee ought to inquire
into the foamier in which the noble lord became pnsses•ed of
these works of art, and the expense!. %%hid% lie hail incurred.
Much would depend n the result of that investigation tin• it
would then appear what degree of % ested right in those mar-
bles the public had already acquired. In his opinion the noble
lord had obtained them iii his character of ambassador, and
not as a private traveller; if so, his lordship had no right to
dispose of them out of the country.
Mr. Anultt Rosin's: agreed that it was a matter of public
duty not to hold 11111 a precedent to ambassadors to avail them-
selves of their situation to obtain such property, and then to
convert it to theironu purposes.
31r. Grin DON would not enter at all into the merits of lord
Elgin on this subject, but thought that the present
state of the country did not justify the tight Hon. Gentleman
in making his motion. Hon c% ee desirable these marbles aught
be for the promotion of the arts, it would be %cry imp-dine
and improper at this time to incur any unnecessary e%pendi-
tui e, tic therefore wished the right lion. Gentleman to posi-

TEA. 25.

pone this measin e till the country had been relieved from the
vere heavy hurtheus which nuw oppressed it.
Mr. Tien NEN( said, that no man could feel more anxious than
himself that these wui Ls of art should not be seittcred over
the•eountry, or be suffered to leave it. If the obieet of the
motion were to enquire whether Lord Elgin host become
possessed of them in consequence of his public functions, and
what expellees he had incurred, he was ready to agree to a
committee; but not that particular artists should be asked
siv lout they conceived to be the value of these marbles. lie
thought the committee should be instructed how they ought to
conduct themselves. it had been stated that lAnd Elgin foe-
Poorly applied to Mr. Perm val on this subject, who uttered a
specific sum of money, which his lordship refused. lie did not
see, therefore, why the offer should be repeated ; but that an
inquiry should he instituted, as to the extent of his expenditure
in procuring these marbles. Part of them wall brought over
in ships of war, and consequently at the public expense. It' it
were merely intended to hold out encouragement to ambassa-
dors' to enrich their country with works of arts, then it was
creditable to the right honourable gentleman ; but if he meant
that the noble lord, availing himself of his official character,
should now call himself the possessor, he would not agree to
the motion. He thought it improper, in the present situation
of our finances, that the house should be invited to purchase
them. The right bon. gentleman had said, it was very de-
sirable to possess them. This might be very true; there were
a great many things which he ( Mr, Tierney) would wish to
have and he was sorry he had them not ; but he was baud to
consider his moans, and the right lion. gentieman should do
the same _ _ _

Mr. LONG observed, that it would be to be regretted, if the
public lost this opportunity of obtaining a collection more use-
ful than any other that Oat be taunt' fur the improvement of
tyre arts.
Mr. Pees-eon thought, that if ambassadors were encouraged
to make these speculations, many might return home in the
ghAreeter of merchauts. He could not consent to pay for the
collection according to what might be called its value, but
only as far as it was a compensation to an ambassador for his
eNtrorci procuring
: br. BROVGRAM felt great difficulty in objecting to the mo-
tior. He could not profess any judgment on the 1;11111. of
matters of this description, and he was very desirous that we
shoul.l possess this collection. After we bad spent so much, as
had been said, for our very existence as a nation, it might be
said further that we might be allowed to expend a little more
for gratification and ornament ; but then it could he stated, on
the °they hand, that we had not the money to afford it. If we
had, it would be well disposed of in the manner proposed. But
we were,as a nation, in the situation of an individual who saw
many things of comfort or ornament which he should like to
buy, but felt obliged to refrain from such an indulgence, lest
he should embarrass his affairs too much. He had understood
that the purchase of this collection would cost door 50,04)01.
and he could not think the present a proper time for pressing it.
It hen we saw the wants of midshipmen, and of so many hun-
dreds of half pay officers. who had but the bare means of ex-
isting, he was led to think, that if we could not give them
bread, oe ought to consider well how we indulged mirselses
ith stones and marbles. lie therefore felt ninth inclined
In okicct.
Mr. riatOUG II CM moved the previous question, seconded by
Sir .lulu !Sew port, who opposed the motion.
The motion for the previous quest' was negatived, and
the original motion curried. A Committee se as then appointed,
consisting of Mr. Banks, Mr. Long, Sir G. Clerk, Mr. F.
Itouglas, Mr. Huskisson, Mr. Homer, Mr. ('roker, Mr. W.
Sir T. Arland, Mr. V. Fitzgerald, Mr. C. Wynne, Mr.
M allure, and ,ume others.

TUESD.4Y'S LONDON GAZETTE.
BANKRUPTCY SUPERSEDED.

J. I.ur.t. KirWale, Lancashire.
roan.btzett. llowugh. grocer.

.T. Sparbtiott, Black

BANK RI'PTS.

W. K IF:ARV. to surrender March 4. 5. April
2, at the Coach and arscs Inn, I in.s. Att. Mr. Walker. Chancery
FLORA. Nottingham, hosier, March 7, K. April 2, at the
Punch Bowl. Nottingham. Atts. H ttrd and Co. Temple.-J. HAt I. F: V.
Sidtuouth, Deuarulaire, common-Leiwer. March 4, 5. April 2. at the
York Hotel, Sidmouth. Mt. Mr. Waisy, New Inn.-W. NN t) W. Great
Yar.noutli, vintner, March 4,5, April Y. at the Black I.ion, Great Yar-
:nouth. Atts. Exley and Cu. Furnoul's Inn.-W. I.ox I larlsham,
Susses...surgeon. March 11. 12. April 2. at the Star Inn. Lewis. .Itt.
Mr. Verrul. Lewis.-H. Wttactsitos. Great Ectieston, Lancashire,
March U. 13, at the Mitre Inn. Preston. April 2. at the Royal
nak Inn. Lancaster. Atl. Mr. Norris, John-street. HediOnl-row.-W.
nt:s. Cirencester, Gltmokstershire, tipltolister. Mardi 7. S. April 2, at
the King's !lead Inn. Cirencester. Atts. Price and Co. I. u•hanier
04fict:. Licculii s Inn.--W. WHEELER, Sion-hill Farm, %Villein:lcy,
....orcestershire.farmer, March 14, 15, April t, at the White !fart Inn,
i I artkin try. Mt. Mr. Alexiukier, Carey-street.-A. B.i s tit T. Broad-
: veil, Bloomsbury, glass-inerehant. Feb. 27. March 5. April 2. at
4:uildhall. Att. Mr. Abrit'...am, Jewrv-itreet. Ablgate.-d• BIGGS.
Worc:acniliire, lir,ell-draper. Feb. 27. March 2. April 1. at
;tolithall. At Willis and Co. Wamfond-court, Tlina,,miorton-street.
-.1. n UTTON, gilder. March 15, 16, April 2, at Guildhall.
:t. Mr. Wilson, Greeille-ttrxet. Ilatton-gareen.-S. AI.COCK, New-
cixstle-upim-Ttsc, brush-manufacturer, March 15, 16. April 1, at the
~orge inn, eweastle-upon-Tyne. Atts. Nteggisms and Co. Ilatlon.
Lsass, Ntonomittli, mercer. March 4, 5. April 2. at the
lieaufort Arr.s Inn, Monmouth. Att. Mr. Wlllianis, Red Lion,apare.
FAnit. Criliton. I)evonshire, victualler. March 3,6, A pril2. at
elk Globe 'fr:crn, I its. .‘tts. Atilington and Co. lkilfonl.row.-S.
S.wit, Great Cogxesly,ll, F,am, tanner. Feb. 27. 2S, April 2. at the
IVtiggon anti Horwa Inn, Cokhester. Atts. Chapman and Co. Little
tq. Thomas .Ipostic.-R. Pl; UMo, SOUII.i Brent, 1/evonshirc. flax-fac-
tor. March 6,7, April 2. at the l'ope's !lead :am Plymouth. Att.s..‘il•
Illngtoa and Itetlfosti.raw.-M. W vv. West 'feignmoittli. and
W. WITIIY(1111111:. East l'eignmout h. Devonshire, merchants, March
. 12. April 2. at the Globe Inn, Newtea .klibot. Atta thake and Co.
t's•rect.s.,,t. liedliml-mw.-.1. NlEnsomn. Nliserdine, Gloucestershire.
farmer. Felt. 23,29, April 2.at the IVliite I lart I nn, Tetbury, Gloucester-
Long and Co. Gray's Inn.-J. li.tawuou, Gloucester.
grocer. Feb. 22. March 5. April 2, at the Commercial Houma, Bristol
Attu. Poole and Co. Gray's Inn-cluare.-T. H. BRINE. '10kt:111101LS
ull. merchant, Feb. 27. Match 2, April 2, at Guildhall. Au. Mr.
}'.Mitchell.
Union-court, Old limad-street-W. T.tzwLLL,
checo:anunger. Kb. 2t, March 5. April?, at Guildhall. Att. NI r. Tay-
lor. Fore-strett, Ctipplegme.--.1. TAY ton. Park-street. Southwurh,
whedwright, Felt. 27. March 2, April 2. at l:uihiliall. Att. NI r. Lavin,
Lwas-street, II Olt N ER., Newbury. Berkshim,
Urge-master, Feb. 27, Marc'.l 2. Apr .1 2, at Guildhall. Mt. Mr.
BF' K.; FAACX•4II.3.' 1 4.trami..-.1. C. Ft NCO. !Russell-court. Drury -lane,
coFeb..flee-house-kevrer, I via March 2, .kyril 2. at Guildhall. Au. Mr.
Willy, Clement's Inn.-S. J. Los. W indmtll, trc,t, 1' i hst ire-square,
merchant, Feb. 24, Mardi 3, April 2, AI Att- M:. Isaacs,
Bury-street. SL. Mary Axe.
TM \MOEN DS.
April 6. A. I.augliA, Bireiin iiam, coal-merchant-March M. W.
Jackman. (7arlide. 6:dunking. r.-March 19. E. Alderstai, Calilewpte,
Carlide, dyer-March H. T. St. Clement's. Cornwall. Iron-
mush r-March 1.5. S. Ray. Tanningtou, Suffolk, merchant-Ma-di
11, J. Iltubunti, Eailu‘wold, Yorkshir.:, innketiltai-Match 12. W.