The National Register.
London, England, 1822-06-24 00:00:00

THE NATIONAL REGISTER

entered into the discussion. The elanse in question was the pros-
pective clause, Which gives to parents and guardians the power
of avoitimg the marriage (iii the case of a minority) until the
niinur shall attain his or her age of 21 years. The llouse then
At;juutned.
wEuNcsonv, JUNE 19.

Several petitions were preoenteil against the Catholic Peers'
Bill.
• • - - •

'rite Earl of LIVERPOOL moved the first rending of the
Army and Navy Pensions' Bill, and fixed the second reading ter
M onday.
Lord KING stated that it was his intention, on the second
reading, to move wine alteration in the pre.minle.
The Colonial Trade. the Navigation Bid, the Watt India
Trade) and the Ancient S;utu e's Repeal 111.1 d, were severally
read the third time and pas.ctl.
MARRIAGE ACT.

Lord ELLEN BOROUGJi moved the order of the thy for fur-
ther proceedings on the Mittrieee Act Amendment Bill.
The tiltiCUEiiiiolll in the Committee, which had been adjourned,
was atteordingly resumed.
The Archbishop tat CANTERBURY rose to state his objection
to the bill. it was the bueitiees of the flouee to impose all the pro.
Section the human mind could devise with a view to the e.cerity
of neuriage. It was Rich duty to prevent clandestine iniuriagee,
but when marriage was once solemnised the law bliould prevent
its being dissolved. The bill bethre the House did not go to
that extent, and the right rev. Prelate thereline opposed it. Mar.
riage, in the course 01 debate, had been called a civil contract.—
It cerainly was a civil contract, sanctioned by r.ligion. It was
a soiemn contract, a religious ceremony, perlornmu in the Mouse
of God by a minister of the gospel.
Lord aI.I.LNISOROUGH wad he heard with great eatisfac-
Lien the °pinata of the mon rev. Prelate. yet he could not consent
to give up the principle of the Bill. Since the debate id* last
Meta, he understood a noble and learned Lord was prepared to
offer clauses for tile consideration of the House, winch would
apply to the marriage of minors. lie should under these cir-
cumstances withdrew Ilia amendments.
The Archbishop of YORK concuried in the opinion expressed
by the Aiclibishop of Canterbury.
'Elie Earl of LIVERPOOL agneed in what had been said by
the right rev. Prelate, namely, mat where a marriage had taken
place, there should be no nullity. He then proposed that the
clauses of his noble and keened Friend Await' be delivered
in and re-primed with the 11.11, for the purpose of being re.
committee'.
The LORD CHANCELLOR said, the great object they all
had in view was that of letting prawn-, who had undergone the
ceremony of marriage, know whether they were married cr not.
The clauses of the bill then under discussion could not be adopted.
—lt certainly was must desirable that persons should know that,
after the cep puny of marriage had taken place, it could nut be
dissolved.
Lord It EDESDALE proposed, that the consent of persons to
be married should be expreeeed in waling, stating that they were
twenty-one years. Tile statement to be attested by potions not
related to the parties. Al persona obtaining a licence and mar.
riage by fraud to Meat all the interest or emolument lie or she
may obtain by such marriage, suet he hobhi to a prosecution for
a high inisdeineanor.
Lord ELLE.NROROUG II proposed, that the noble and
learned Lord's clauses might be diecas•ed by the Committee
after the clauses in the bill cad been diepoetel of.
The LORD CHANCELLOR declared his intention to oppose
the discussion of the retrospective clituse in the Bill, on the gtoond
that it ought to be discussed after all the other clauses in tie
Ile should therefore now wove us an amendment, " that this
ceat:e be postponed."
The committee divided, and the amendment was negatived—
Contente, 00—Non rontente, 6J—Alajority, 29.
Lord EI.I.b:NBOIIOUGH then widowed their Lordships in
ott of the retrosaemive clause, and proposed some veiled
umendinents, and the exceptions to which lie had alluded yes-
terday. One ementlinent purported, that previded any property
or honours had been enjoyeel under the colour of a marnage 1.0•
lemniaed without the consent of parties entitled to give consent,
and that no judgment had been renounced, the right to give to
the said property and 'entomb should not be allected by um pro-
-1161011; la the present bill.
The Earl tat LIVERPOOL said, that it was a very serious
matter tor the legislature to step in to declare that a suit to met-
litlete a marriage shoved proceed no further. He therefore gave
notice elite amendment, providing that the bill should not apply
to any pending shit.
Lord RED ieSDALE also objected to the retrospective portion
of the clause.
Lord ItOLLAND adverted to the general injustice and cruelty
of the exi,ting law. Let the Home consider the magnitude and
I importance tat the evils that arose out of the existing system, and
thou their Lorehhips would not allow their attention to be di-
verted Rom the remedy by minute and technical objections.—
They had to emove existing evils, and to repair what was past.—
They should be guided therefore, by die rules of substantial jus-
tice, and 5:I, WA mat, in order to meet an objection which might
be started iu a court of law, sacrifice the happiness of the com-
mune), for which these courts were established. Parliament had
(ilea, on former occasions, legislated on the principles which
were embodied in the prospective clause of the bill. The retros
pective clause was said to be introduced to answer a particular in-
dividual ease. It was natural, if a case of great hardship was
known, that it should excite attention to the law under winch it
occurred, and which called for a remedy. Ile thought the clause
ought to pass, and was not yet deterred from supporting it by the
objection that it affected third parties.
Lord ELL ENDUROUGH said, that with the idea which he
had of the sacredness of the marriage act he could nut agree to
the amendment of the noble Lail opi osite. lie could not ahem the
eff; aof marriage to be postponed fur a your. Ile could not
%how the ,Wl.lll to be suspended by a single thread over the head
of every iamily in the kingdom. Ile thereture called upon their
Loolenipe Lot to allow the tethetion.
A keg convergent/it ensued ou the clause proposed by the
Earl of Liverpool, to estoept from the retrospectif e operation of
the hill cases in which slut, bed been commenced, within a year
after the passing of the act. The herd Chancellor, Lord Hol-
land, Lord Itedeedsle, tied Lord Elleuborough were the chief
spesliers.
The Earl of HARROW'BY defended the first part of the
clause, but objected to the allowance of a year for commencing
sails. He proposed, therefore, as an amendment on the clause,
omitting this latter part of it, which was speed to. The clause
a, thus ItliCtUiCtl was then put, and the committee divided,
when there appeared-- Couttilis, 42—Not conic:at, ati--Ma-
joiity, Ire
The clause was therefore lost, and the bill left, in this res-
pect, as it was first int. odueed. When we were re-admitted
lam the house we baud their Lordships discussing the clause
relative to the bans and licenses. The Lord Chancellor ob-
jected to the penalties aeeinst the clergy man who might commit
a mistake through went of informettou, and mast thus be iu•
dieted for what in hint was no offence.
A vote was not called tor on the other parts of the bill. The
committee adjourned till to-morrow, when it is understood
that Lord Redeadale will propose his amendments. Adjourned
at 9 o'clock.

TUURSDAT. JUNE 20.
Lord Sidmoath, Lord ilsrevrood, and the Bishop of Exeter,
prim:and three petitions aping the Roman Catbo;ic Peers'
he Coro Importation Bill and Bakers Bereistios 818 were
hrunght ay Gwa the COulaonc,

nn the inni"- af the Ex tl of
The Bakers' Regulation Hill,
Lauderdale, was reterred to a private committee.
After some conversation between the Earl of Liverpool and
Lord Ellenborough, the second reading of the Navigation this
was limed for Thursday next. The second reading of the Navy
and Military Pensions Bill for Tuesday, and the Committee ou
the Jlarri.ge Act Amendment for Monday.
EAST AND W EST INDIA TN ADE.—The Marquis or LAN -
n()%1 NE said, he hod to present two petitions from Liverpool.
One praying that the merchants and ship owners oldie putt be
allowed to trade to the East Indies, in smalkr ships than those
legalized by acts or parliament. The other prayed that the _
be
pe-
titioners
may allowed to import sugar from toe East Indies,
on payment of less duties than those laid on NV est India sugar.
The petitioners did nut why a right should be given to the NA est
India Colonies to import sugar, to the exemsion of .he West
India Trade, and the noble Marquis declared himself an aUvo-
rate for uprising the trade. A poptilaiiun in India, amounting to
00,060,000, every day iuereused the merchondize and mina-
ret: urea of this country, and the best mode of promoting our
own comu:erce, was to increase the trade of other nations.—
The petitioners also complained of the severe restrictions
imposed on sugar refiners, and prayed for a remedy. The peti-
tions were read.

Lord BATHURST said it was not his intention to make any
observations on the first petition. llis object was only to say a
few words on the petition respecting the sugar trade. which
had some connection with the pro% isions of the West liMia
Trade Bill. The petitioners prayed the House to withhold
protectiim from the 1N est India sugars, and allow the su„zats of
the East Judi, s to be imported on paying the same duties u
the West India produce. If Parliament consented ►o withdraw
t.e protection from the West India Islands, they would not
be placed on the same footing as India. In the West India
Colonies they were compelled by law to transport produce is
British ships. In the East Indies they might do it in the ships
of all nations. By the 12th of George the Second they had the
advantage of exporting sugar Iron the West Indies ►o all na-
tions ; but the advantage was coupled with such regulations,
that they received little benefit from that law•. It had Leen
urged that the West India Trade Bill then before Parliament,
conveyed advantages to the colonists, which ou6lit to unlace
Parliament to open the East India sugar trade , but there was
within; in that Bill to enable the House to withdraw from the
West India trade the protection they had hitherto enjoyed.—lf
the petitioners could make oat there was not a sufficient supply
in the M est Indies to meet the general consumption, in
ground might exist for the consideration of their claim ; but that
was not the case. The supply was greater than the demand.
and if that were so it would not be good policy to open the
East India trade in sugar. The noble Earl did nut say the time
would not arrive w lien the opening of that trade might be ad-
iseithle ; but at present no cause was made out for a measure
of that description. The situation of the West India popula-
lation would be most lamentable, if Parliament dissolved the
trade, and no persons would suffer so much as the black pool-
maim. It wield be the ruin of planters and the misery of
slices. The House would call to mind that the cultivation of
sugar in the East Indies was new. In the West Indies it had
continued for ages. The petitions were then laid on the table.
....... .

WiST INDIA INTERCOURSF. BILL.—Earl bATIIURST then
moved the order of the day for the third reading of the A 1 est
Indis Imercourrie Bill.

The Marquis of BUTE, alter a few observations, proposed
clause for the better registration of slaves. The Stave Trade
Abolition Bill was trot secured, and the uuble Marquis wished
to introduce the subject into this bill.
Lord BATHURST said there was nothing in the bill to re-
quire the introduction of the clause proposed by the noble
Marquis. lie admitted that a more efficient registration of
slaves ii,i6ht be introduced to Parliament, but the subject
should not fetter the colonial trader in his coalmen ial pursuits
under this Bill. lie could nut consent to the adoption of the
clause.

Lord HOLLAND opposed the introduction of the clause.—
It was a subject which ou,glot to form no part of the bill. 'the
soble Lord regretted that the legislature had not totally abo.
linbed the trailiz in slaves ; but he was happy to ssy it was be-
coming weaker every day in our West ludic p ions. -
In Jamaica the law was seldom evaded, and it would soon
be almost impo►sible to smuggle a slave into that country with-
out detection. . . .

.....
After some conversation the clause was negatived, and the
bill re td the third time and passed.
The House resumed the adjourned debate in the committers
upon the Marriage Act Amendment Bill, and the discussion was
again postponed to Monday. Adjotcaed.
FRIDAY, Jest:2l.
The discussion which stood for this dey, on the bill to admit
Roman Catholic Peers to seats in Parliament, excited much
interest. The avenues to the House were thronged, and more
constables than usual placed at the doors. A number of lath*
were admitted to the House, and the area below the bar was ...11-
tirely occupied by strangers, a"mitted with Peers' orders.
Petitions against the Catholic Peers' Bill were presented from
Tam worth—the University or Cambridge—the Synod ut Glasgow
—and Sr. Mary, Woolnotth, London.
Lord HOLLAND said he ruse to present a petition from the
corporation of Nottingham, in favour of the Bill. 'The petitioners
prayed that the lawn operating aping the civil rights of Boman
Catholics may be repealed. He could not avoid on this =anon
adverting, to a declaration made by a noble Duke (Newcastle).
stating that the people of the district and neighbourhood of Not-
tingham were hostile to the bill then bethre the House. The pee
titron he presented proved that the noble Duke had taken a muse
taken view of the feeling in his part of the country. The noble
Baron was happy to find the petitioners free front the mum*
views taken upon this important subject.
The petition was then read. It prayed, that the bill to qualify
Catholic Peers to sit in Parliament might pass into a law. Tire
petition was laid on the table.
Lord ELLENBOROUGH presented a petition from Hor*-
ham, in Sussex, in favour of the bill.
A petition was presented from the parish of St. Jannes
kenwell, in favour of the bill.
I .ord SH AFTESIIC ay presented a petition from St. Luke's
Old.street, signed by 730 person:, against the Bid. The nobls
Lail alio presented petitions, having tiles:line object, from various
oissenting congregations, the whole of which were read and leid
on the table.
Lord GREY expressed some doubt whether many of the pe-
titioas presented agmnA the bill were entitled t..) the oharacter of
regtear petitions. Many he understood had been sighed privately,
and it was reasonable to suppose they differed more or lete
ti
the objectiteis to the measure shortly to come under dismission;
Lord It EDP:St/ALL considered the petitions quite regumr, as
far i.s he had been able to judge of them;
The Lord C II A N C E 1.1.014 said, petitions against the bill 1.. d
been presented by at least 4(1,000 persons, and theie was no vat t-
anon in the prayer of the petitioners.
Tire clerk then read the order of the day for the second reading
of tire Roman Catholic Peers' 11.11.
The Duke of PORTLAND rose upon the order, and observed
that it was not his intention to trespass long on the attention of
the House. His object was to move the second reading of the
bilis and it would be proper Gest, to rewired titan Lordships of

the situation of Catholic Peers in this country. From the time
of the reformation to the fifth of Elizabeth, an act existed,
ci ii.
pelting members of Parliament to take the oath of supremacy.—
A clause was however inserted in the act, exempting Rom its
operation the Peso of Parliament. By virtue of that exemption
Homan Catholic Peers sat in Parliament till the 30.11 of Charles
the Second. Ab.i.it that time cam: tie l'opiin plot, in which
the Catholic PeMs seemed to be iniplietted. Units r tile relic
which existed at she moment, Parliament took away the rigut of
Peers to seats in that llo.tsc. Lord St. illord was tuond guilty 3111.1
cuntited, and here lie might observe, that the execution of that
nobleman was some nom aft,: en:l.sl a legal raarder.—Sael: was
the circumstance wi,ich drove the Catholics troll the privilege to
which they were entitled by birth; but whether or not the ex:tu-
ition of tile Rdinan Catholic Ydriiament was necessary
in the reign of Charles the Second, none could say it was neces-
sary now. Queen Eiizibetit had reposed confidence in Catholic.
Peer; ; she wan satistled with their loyalty ; and the act passed in
the huh year of her reign did nut extend to them. The experi-
ence of 100 years proved that confidence was well foundixt.—
Tile noble Duke concluded by moving the second reading of
the ill.
Lord COLrIIESTER, rising to address the House in oppo-
sition to the bill, assured their Lordships that lie sincerely wished
to give all the rest unable and safe concessions to his Majesty's
Boman Catholic subjects, but lie never could agree to give mein
seats in both Houses of Parliament. Tho exclusion of Peers
from Parliament was represented by the noble Duke to stand on
nothing but prejudice; but it would not be milieu t to prove that
toe txt.usion historically stood on the ground of wisdom and
sound ;whey; and commenced with the acts of Queen Elizabeth.
and the coii.oration and test acts proved how desirous time House
of Commons wine to exclude Boman Catholics fawn their own
members. Tile act of Chad,* IL. was sanctioned at the revolu-
tion by the Prance of Orange. and at the union with Scotland it
was enacted that no representative Peers or Commoners should
be others than Pro:este:us. That provision was annexed to the
act of union. At the distance of three succeeding reigns, namely,
in the 9th of Geo. 11. P.:filament confirmed the act of King
'Written', and could it be said the exclusion ss AA not justified
by policy'. The noble Duke had contended there was no
ground to continue the exclusion ; but his opinion was, that
laws made upon general principles mast ever be retained as
safeguards anti guardians against danger. The noble Duke
proposed the repeal of these laws, and recommended the bill as
use of the best steps. The noble Baron said, lie wished to give
the Catholics fair emancipation iu all the rights enjoyed b) his
Majesty's subjects, with the exceptioa of those restrictions,
which the constitution had imposed for its own safety. He was
rejoiced when he saw Roman Catholics assisting at the co.o-
nation.—They were properly admitted to the army, and nary.
He saw nu objection to giving diem civil employment—to admit
them to °dices connected with the revenue ; but the safeguards
of the constitution could not be violated. The noble Lord
stated the views of the Rffilltal Catholics with respect to faith,
end, having dwelt on the danger which would arise from passing
tlic hil,, moved, as an amendment, that it read a second time
Cis day three mouths.
Lord ERSKIN G supported the bill.
Lord GREN VILLE, at considerable tenth, and in a speech
of much force, supported the bill.
Lord REDESDALE strongly opposed it, as inconsistent with
the safety of the Protestant establishment.
Lord HOLLAND gave his wartuest support to the bill, which
he observed did not go so tar as he wished. /le trusted that
be should live Mug enough to see their Lordships go much
further thau this Bill went.
'their Lordships rhea/ divided,—For the second reading—
Content', SO- Proxies 10-90. Non Contents, 97—Proxies,
SO-132. Majority agaivat the Bill, 12. Adjourned at one
u'cloek.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
MONDAY, :v 17.

Mr. DAVENPORT presented petitions from Macclesfield
and Cottgleton against the Warehousing Bill.
Sir R. SHAW presented a petition from the Chantb.r of
Commerce. Dohlin, against the proposed duties on Rock Salt.
Sir W. CU LUIS presented a petition front the Watch Finish•
era of London, spina the Warehouseing Bill.
Sir W. LEMON presented a petition from Pilchard Curers
of Cornwall, praying t'or the repeal of the Salt Tax.
The Bakers' Regulation Bill was recommitted. Report
brought up, and ordered to be read a third time on Thursday.
The report of the Weights and Meaurea Bill was ordered to
be presented on Wednzsday.
SALT TAX.—A petition was presented from the Fish Curers
of Boston, Lincolnshire.
Mr. CURW EN said, it was very important that the parties
should ►now what they were to expect ; that something decitivo
on the subject of the Salt Tax should he made known.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, he hoped
to bring forward the Resolutions at au early time. Ile named
two years for the continuation of existing duties, because he
thought it would have been a period satisfactory to terminate
the duties ; but be should not now press the Resolution for
continuing the Finn Curiu Regulations for two years.
Gen. GASCOYNE observed, that these discussions and con-
versations were most injuri as and unpleasant ; it would be
better that the Chancellor of the Exchequer should at once intro
duce his Bill for the repeal of the tax ; the country would then
►now what was intended. . .

Mr. BIRCH enquired whether the manufactories using salt
were to be esentpted
The CH ANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied, as it
we, understood, that the eseuiptions were to be wade of
course. _ _ .

Mr. BRIGHT said, that he trusted the Chancellor of the
Exchequer intended to remodel the excise laws, particularly on
this sulijeet. They were most oppressive. as the report of 11418
proved. If any portion of the tax were retained, it could only
be for the sake of patronage ; but he trusted that in this instance,
the independent portions of the House would defeat the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer.—(Hear.)—Petition ordered to be
printed.
Mr. (Secretary) PEEL, presented a report from the c .m-
-snake appointed to enquire into the state of the pollee of the
Inetropolia. Ordered to be printed.
Mr. LITTLETON presented a petition from workmen in the
factories at Dudley, complaining that sever.l of their masters
paid them in provisions instead of money, whereby they sun'.
taineJ serious losses.

Mr.LITTLEEON presented a petition from silk manuftc
Suers of Letts Against the WArehousing Bill.

STATL or IRELAND.—Mr. V. FITZGERALD wished to
kn 1w w hat furthrr aurasures of relief for Ireland were contem-
pt :trd by the Government? It was a moment of suliering, and
it was important that there should be the amplest information ;
it was most desirable that it should b. known how the money
advanced for public works was to Le appropriated.
Mr. GOULBURN replied, that with respect to the money al-
ready ad.:lnert] for the public works, the Lord Lieutenant had
appointed a committee to institute inquiry into the state of the
severe; districts. They immediate!, made the requisite com-
eawaittations. It would also be recollected, that he had intro•

THE NATIONAL RubicT

--
dared a Bill fur the better anployment of the poor in I reload,
under which the appli:mtion of money for the puldio works
might be promoted. lie had learned that in comiequence
reral of the works had been forwarded. There was undoubt-
edly great iliatiew4 in Ireland. but it wan li oiled to particular
eo iaties. The anniatAnce already voted certainly would not be
stiiiktieut ; mid it would be his duty at no cl,itent day. maim

to Apply to Podia:tier t.
Mr. J. Sall ti a rid what had been tte e the Coveres tit's
assistance hitherto he knew out; but of this he true state that
enuogh had by no means been done. According to accounts
from Clara, &o. re •vie. d this clay, and at the latter end of
last week, the distress and earring were rapidly increasing.
Hundreds or thousands in those counties were without the
mewls of existence; and they were literally starving ; and if
the Government intended to do any thing more, he trusted that
it would lie done speedily. The Gavernmet had not dune
enough; and he felt assured that that Government was oat worth
a farthing that could not keep the people from starving. (Hear.)
Sir J. NEWPORT dwelt on the extant of the distress, and
expressed the fear that it would not soon terminate—it would
not conclude with thia or the next year :he feared that it would
extend to future generations. The Goverment must adopt
ex ensive means to employ the population of Ireland, otherwise
little ;good would be dune.
Mr. ( Secretary) Pe:EL said, that the Government of Ireland
was hourly occupied is ascertaining what relief CORM be af-
forded ; but the Government here had much difficulty to con•
tend with, as there was danger of allUCliag the industry of the
people, be gratuitous assiatauoe. He aailed, however, that
60001. had been this day forwarded to Limerick, to he employed
by the local authorities in the promotiun of public works. Ha
then deprecated discussion on this peculiar subject. it could
not do good if the present limit were exceeded.
BENEFIT SOCIETIES.—Mr. 110111101-SE, in presenting a
petition, said that the Stamp Duties Bill proposed to expose
henelit societies to stamp duties, front which hitherto they bad
been exempted. Surely such could not be the intention of Go•
vernmen4 If it succeeded it would tend to diminish those
fun& that were set apart fur charitable purposes. The Bill
was to be committed this evening, and ha hoped that toe minis-
ters would then adopt the mewls to remove the I roper anxieties
of varions benefit societies. The hill proposed to shard relief
and enact explanations and emendations, and yet it imposed
new ditties. It merited the attention of the House.
Read and ordered to be printed.
Several petitions front luvernees, Kingliorn, &c. against thet
Scotch Burghs' Accounts Rill, were presented.
Mr. ABERCROMBIE wished the Lord Advocate to post-
pone that Bill for the present.
The LORD ADVOCATE said, he should bring it forward
this et ening. The noble Lord near the lion. member (Lord A.
Hamill.%) ) had repeatedly desired the Bill to be brought on :
lie was therefore surprised at thin application.
Petition+ read and ordered to he printed.
The LORI) ADVOCATE moved, that the Scotch Burghs'
Accounts Bill lie re-commi.ted.
Lord A. HAMILTON said it would be betterto postpone the
bill altogether. It was impossible to believe that the hi I would
produce any relief; the reports showed this Let. The bill had
no remedial qualities about it.
Mier some further observation, the /louse went into a com-
mittee all the bill. In the committee several verbal amend-
ments were moved, which were eventually agreed to.
Several other clauses were then agreed to. The House re-
sumed, and the report was ordered to ha considered on a future
day. Adjourned.
TELSDAY, !CST. 111.
There being only thirty seven meinorrs present at four o'clock
Only being required) the speaker tke:ated .he House to stand
adjourned till to-inorrov.
WEDNESDAY. JUNE 19.
A petition was presented trout St. Mary, Dublin, complain-
ing oldie assessed taxes.
Sir It. SIIAW moved for returns of t'•e assessed taxes, Ire-
land fur the last seven years, excepting the hearth and window
duties.—Ordet ed.
Mr. BYNG presented two petitions against the Highgate
Chapel Bill.
Mr. Alderman WOOD presented a petition from Homey
and Finchley against the same bill.
Mr. Alderman WOOD presented a petition from Mr. John
Knight, confined in Lancaster jail, complainmg of severe treat-
ment, dampness, &c. His offence was that of attending a
•• peaceable" reform meeting.
Mr. B. WILBRAHAM observed, that the only meeting
which was nt.t pealeable was the on. for %%Mel; this person was
convicted; the parties had attended armed with pikes.
Mt. Alderman WOOD said, thet be sae!, fact as it might, it
was no rtaNol, for treeing the prisoner with cruelty. Ilehester
jail wan proof in support of sueb opinion. Petition ordered to
be print. d.
Mr. COURTEN AY' moved for leave to bring in a bill to ex-
tend the punishment of hard labour to certain eases that were
not now exposed to such ponialnuent ; lie meant certain aggra-
vated unsilemeanore.
Mr. M. A. TAYLOR. said, he trusted " political" offences
were not to be included in the Lill,
Mr. COE RTENAY said, the offences would be specified.--
Motion agreed to.
Dr. LUSHINGTON moved for a new writ for CamelTord
in the room of Lord Yarmouth, now Marquis of Hertford,—
Ordered.
Mr. COCRTENAY moved for an aceount of droits of Ad-
miralty greeted for the benefit of Cl:flital :%rnerican
Ordered.
COT STY COI' RT. —Mr. LENNART) presented a petition front
.1,000 persons in Middlesex, complaiiiiug of their county clerk,
of taking extraordinary fees.
Mr. COL RTENAY condemned the petition, as resulting
ftom malice. If they were to blame, the Judges of the Court
of King's Bench could be applied to ; and if it were established
the clerk world be discliaraed. The petitioners ought not to
come to that blouse, till they could show that applications to
the Court of King's Ben .11 had been Matte in vain. He mewed,
as an amendment, that the petition he rejected
Dr. LUSHINGTON expressed his astonishment that such
an amendment should have been moved. The interests of the
petitioners might be small, but to them they were important.
It ought to be considered by the Howe. , at all events, the re-
ceipt of the petition ought not to be ehie, fed to.
Mr, li. SIMS ER thought there was eo ground for the im-
putation of the petition : he should therefore support the amend-
ment.
Mr. G. BENNET spoke in favonr of the petition, and said
that inquiry ought to be instituted. As to the complaiion,
etlotts had already bet• t made to get a ceinteittee; the appli-
cation for one bad been negatived. With respect to the appli-
cation to the Court of King's Bend,. he s :Ailed it not a feather.
--There were 18,000 cases in one y ear, at the rate of Iro per
day, and the complaiut of irregular fees ought. to he the bores-
th.ated. Tbe mover of the rejection on the !trident occasion
he considered oft the • Legishttorial Atictroey. or the court.

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