The National Register.
London, England, 1823-03-16 00:00:00

Tmertat Vartiament.

HOUSE OR OF LORDS.
MONDAY. ItARCII 111.
The Duke of lION'I'IIOSE reported, that the Address of the
house to his Majesty, in answer to the Royal Message, had been
presented, and that it had been graciously received.
Earl DARNLEY said, he observed, by the votes on the table,
thst a bill was to be brought into the House of Commons by the
Secretary of Ireland, with a view to facilitate We commutation
tit tithes in that country. It was a' most important subject; and
he expressed &hope, that the noble earl would bawl the ',madness
to stile in that house the &tonne of the plan. IM. could not see
why the subject had bean withheld from the !louse of Lords.
The Earl of LIVERPOOL said, be was enable to decide how
it wes pos.ible to me.:t the wishes of the noble earl. There were
some pitusisidtts in the bill alluded to of a nature which made it
buronienient ; the measure should originate any where but in
the &louse of Commun./. When the nvassuro was quite ready,
the noble earl naive for papers, and have them printed tot
the inthrtnaMin of the house. Ile could not then enter upon
discussion. Every subjact of this nature ought to have the most
earnest anal serious consideration, and so tier front wishing to
t ame ohstruetion in the way, his Majesty's Government would
be reedy to receive any sulgostion offeeed for the welfare of
Ireland. by parsons ecquaintol with that country. At the same
time he conk, not, consistent with porlituuentary practice, then
enter into any discussion of the subjec..
The Earl of DAIINLEY, in reply, said, the intention of his
Majesty's (kwerroueot, with respout to tithes in Ireland, might
t tare been the subject of stmultaneotis opening in that house
and the other. The Housed Lords ought to know more on the
que.tion than they were able to collect from reports of proceed-
ings in the other branelt.of the lr.gislattire.
The LOUD CHANCELLOR said, the house ought to be
notions bow they proceeded with respect to measures gab c
in the other house. The very case to• which the noble east
alluded, although the sohjectof a bill, nklit not be treated in a
way to meet hie iinipietit policy. The bill might be lost, an
event which must nu'l'ty the premature intentions of Mat house.
Adjourned.
VILIESTYKY MARCIt 11.

Mr. WMcirt ;ter, toad the i'mt.olfice, presented an Acemmt
of Delano* i. the hand. of the Deputy Post-Master, for the
Jut year.
The Annual Aceotrit of the London Dock Company was
pa euted.
Mr. Spitler relented the Tenth Report of the Highland
Roads and Br;dges Commissionerr.
Mr. lloNden and others. tiom the Commons. brought up the
Irish Asses.ed 'foxes Repecl Dill, which *vs rbud the first lime.
The Scotch Crtt'itore•Di" was read the third time, and passed.
.—Adjourntsl.

WEDNESDAT. MARCH It
The Doke of Rlc HNI(IN I) presented a petition from Lyon.
in NOrfolk. egai tat the Insulrtnt Uebtora' Act —Laid on the
table.

Lord GRANTHAM presented a petition from the owners
and :capers of land at Pontefract, Yorkshire, against that part
of the Turnpike Act which lays toll upon carts and waggons with
R&M. wheels. 'The noble err' obscurer', that the petitioners
considered such bin a haat hardship.—The petition was laid on
the table.

-The It ish Assessed Taxes Repeal Bill was read a second time.
The Earl of LIVERPOOL said, lie made a motion last ses-
sion, calling for an account of the number of appeals decided in
1/113; he was then desirous of making the account up to .the
present time, and lie moved accordingly.—Ordered.
MASI{ iAtiC.-I.ord ELLENIIOIDAUGII took the onportu-
nity of adve.ving to the manures before Parliament on tile sub-
ject of HMI Their lordships, he observed, in the course of
the present session, 11s11 pll9s.:Cll tam bills. The first hail for its
obiect to make v.. 10 cutain mania:4es which they had *plena-
ni :sal under licerrsts ;;.anted by Surrogates, contrary to the New
Marriage Act. They also passed to the Commons another bill,
is repeal the pmspee• •re clauses 11( the New Marriage Act. The
thjtat of that bull w to place the country, with restsett to the
Marriage fix, in the situation in which they stood under the
old Marrta4e Act. with the exception of one clause, which de-
eland meninges without the consent of parents and guanhans
lle of ~,al It might be clearly understood. that up to
that perioti no alteration had taken place in the New Marriage Act.
All its pntvisions and enactments would remain in force, until a
bill to re reel the same received the royal assent. The noble lord
thought it right to make the above observations. because be had
heat considered by wane persons an advocate, watching the pro.
gross of legh.latinn on that particular question.
Ilse house adjourned.
THURSDAY. MANCH 13.
The Earl of 1)AIIN LEY presented it petition front the mer-
chants, hankers, and traders oh Oldham, Lancashire, against the
Insolvent Debtors' Act.
Earl GREY delivered petitions frotti Sonde-118ml, Abbott's
Wearmouth, Bishop's Wistmouth, and Derby, against the
Insolvent Debars' At:.

The same noble earl also presented a petition fmin the resident
tradesmen and shopkeepers 1.1 the town of Detby, against the
Ilawkers' Act.

The above petitions were rea•t and laid on the table.
The !rt.!' Annesbed Taxes Reveal Bill 'mused through a Com-
mittee, and wan repored without :Amendment.
The house adjournad.

FRIDAY, MAIICII 11.

Mr. Mason frnm the India litiusehtought up certain monthly
returns, which were laut on the table.
Mr. Bowden, and other ILitibers fmin the !louse of Com-
mons, brought tip the Assessed Taxes Reduction Bill, the Irish
Arms Hill, and the Severn Bndgc Bill, which were read a that
time.

The E of LIMERICK pretaztel a veti•ion from Mr. I).
Barrett. clerk of the crown fur the eo.inty of Limerick, eon].
Owning at the optat.tiun a r LUC Aut of Parliament. which

The petition woo I.tid on the table.
The UMlbe then atljourncd to Monday.

•
allk• _ •
THE NATIONAL REGISTER _ .

deprived him of certain f..szo belonging to his office.—Read, and
laid on the table.
Lod CALTHORPD presented a petition from the Rev. W.
Burgess, Commissary and Vicar General of Kirbysaken, in the
county of Essex, praying that the peculiaritie, of wine,' he had
been deprived by the New Marriage Act may be provided for in
some ,ature 1aw...-The petition was referred to the Committee
on the Marriage Law.
The Earl of DARNI.EY said, he held in his hand a petition
from the bankers, merchants, and manufacturers of Wakefield,
aAainst the Insolvent Debtors' Act. The noble earl addressed a
few observations to the noble and learned lord on the woolsack,
expressing a hops that his lordship. was not adverse to the
amendment of die Bill upon those points which the public cre-
ditor considered injurious.
The I.OIID CHANCELLOR said, it would be in the reeol-
lection of the house, that the Act for the relief of Insolvent
Debtors was brought in by a noble and learned lord not then in
his place. It was nut his intention on that occasion to discuss
the meeits of the Act. He should only say that, in a coversation,
that made and learned lord hail told him the Bill war more
efficient when it first came to that house, bin it had been spoiled
by improvements elsewh,re. It was for the house to say how far
it had produced an effect which ought to be counteracted.
The Earl of LIMERICK said, lie was glad the sulject was
likely to cone under the consideration of the house. The Act
hail done much mischief in Ireland.

HOUSE OP COMMONS.
MONDAY, MARCH 10.
Severer Petitions were presented opium the blankest Deb-
tors' Act.

Mr. T. WILSON presented a Petition from Mr. Parkins,
complaining of an undue eleotion for Arumlel.—Ordered to be
taken into consideration on I Lumley, April 17.
Mr. HUME gave notice that, tomorrow, be should move
for Returns respecting Land Tax unredeemed ; also respecting
the Post Wier, Dublin.
SMALL Dcuts.—Lord ALTIIORP begged to state that the
Committee now sitting respecting toe more speedy recovery
of small debts did not intend to interfere with any existing ju-
risdictions. He concluded by moving for returns of all the
Courts in England and Wales fur the recovery of small debts,
(excepting the Courts or Westminster Hall,) the extent of theis
jurisdictions, and the authority under which they acted.—
Ordered.

Mr. PEEL said, as the Right lion. Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs would be usable to attend tomorrow, from
severe indisposition, be trusted that the Switch County Repre-
sentation Motion would bmposiponed. •
Lord A. HAMILTON, muter Come circumstances, post-
poned his motion till this day week.
Mr. ABERCROM BY gave notice, that, on the 22d April,
the Member for Ayr would bring forward a motion respecting
the striking of Juries in Scotland in Criminal Cases.— llie lion.
member also gave notice, that, on the C,►th, he should- staimait
a motion respecting Elorthwick's Case.
Mr. RICARDO moved for relents of the half year's divi-
dends receivers in the three per cents. &c. under 51. 101. 151.
ise.—Ordeted.—Though Mr. ft. rad it might take some little
time to make the returns, as the Bank, be understood, were
now a good deal employed.
Lord A. HAMILTON presented a petition from ship-owners,
&c. of Ayr, compin'aing of the duties on coals. He asked
whether there erns any isilention to reduce the ditties.
The CHANCELLOR of the ESCHEQUER rid, be had
no intention to propose any reiltmtion of such duties.
Alderman WOOD complained of the partial nature of the
duties ; London paid more than soy other place.
Sir M. W. RIDLEY said, that the original sellers of coals
were not the permit"s who gained by the high prises. The best
; ale they got lAN. a clialdron for—inferior coals, 10e. Od.—
and those coals were sold in Loudon for 60s. 70s. and ti oa. per
elialdron.—(llear.)--The duties were partial ;—why were they
to pay 10s. on this side of Gravesend, whku below it they
only raid Ss.?
Mr. LI'I'TLETON spoke in behalf of the inland coal; said
that the duties bad tsiated upwards of one century ; and ha
trusted that due regard would be had to vested interests be-
, fore there was any change of the ditties.
Mr. MAItRYAT said, in the Hans Town they could get
English coals cheaper that' our manufacturers/&s. could._
Petition orde►ed to be printed.
Leave was given to bring in the Warehousing Bill.
SUPPLY.—ARMY 13STIM Al ES.

Lord A. PALMBR.BTON moved, apt the Report of the
Supply be presented.
Mr. HUME could not allow the Report to be brought op,
without first adverting to the King's Speech and the Estimates.
The opening speech promised considerable reduction., stating
that every thing had been framed with a due regard to coo-
nomy. Instsad of any impou tent reductions in the army, navy,
and ordance estimates, the only difference between those of
the present year and the IMO year %se, 114,0001. The pro-
mises of such speeches, he regretted to say, were little at-
tendril to. He should more a resolution esphipatory of these
matters—but he should not diside the House on the amend-
tuent.

Col. DAVIF.S seconded the amendment, and said that the
only reason be had fur not tittering resistance to the estimates
was, that it was almost Inquissible to avoid war, not only be-
tween France and `Spain, but between Franca and England.
—(lleer, hear.)
Lord PALMERSTOPtsI thought the 'loose ought first to see
the estimates, before env such resolution was adopted.—Re-
solution negslived.
Mr. BROGUES then presented the Report, and ►he several
items or resolutions were read.

On the vote fur 19,4001. for the yeomanry coil* of Ireland,
Mr. HUME proposed to grant only an allowance fat
monthr longer, namely, 9,2001.
This amendment gave rise to • long and desultory conver
ration , the amendment war, however, ultimately negatived
without • division, and the origin'sl vete agreed to.
On the vote fur the College at Sandhurst, and fur the mule's
there,

Ms. HUME prolonged In reduce the gum by 36001. On
after .o.w emmultation, the House divided—For the
amendment 1-I—for the original motion 107 majority against
the intendment 90.

The several other resolutions were agreed to
On the order of the day for the House going into a commit-
tee to introduce • clause, exempting entirely from the House
•omit Window Tax, all houses tinder the rent of 51. annually,
and haring no more Ilan six windows.
'flue CHANCELLOR or the EXCHEQUER said lie was
reluctantly obliged to oppose this motion of the hon. gent. It
was tree that there was such a duty as thst stated by the bon.
gent. on cottages under 51. a year ; but the law provided, not
wily that the occupiers of such houses receiving parish relief
should be exempted, hot further than tltet—any ...onager nut

receiving parish relief, who should get a certiliagte of inability
to pay, ertlier from the minister or some respectable parish-
ioner, should also he exempt. The number of this class of
houses was 1,100,000, and of these upwards of 700,000 were
exempt, and the others had the power of relieving themselves
if really unable to pay. One alteration he intended to pro.
pose was, to extend the exemption on persons employed in
warehouse.% to lads of 18 years of age : at present it was cow-
Gued to lads under 14.

The gallery was then cleared for a division on Mr.Cttswea'►
proposition.
For the amendment 34—Against it St —Msjurity 33,
The House then went into a Committee on the Bill.
After some observations from different members, the Bill
went through the Committee.
The several other orders were disposed of, and the Mouse
adjourned.
TUESDAY, MIACH.I4.
A person from the Post-ollice presented an account of
lances due to the general department.
Mr. BYNt; moved the second reading of the Shadwell New
Church Bill.

Mr, C. BENNET opposed the bill, and moved, that it be
read a second time this day six months.
After an extendcd discussion the bill was thrown out-
Worn:moss-mum Pnisusa—On the presentation of 11.
petition respei ling the laws regarding small debts,
Sir R. WILSON asked whether, debtors were allowed to
•be confined so closely that they could only see their friends
once a month, and that such debtors were refused those pro-
visions sent them by their friends.
Mr. PEEL replied, that the prison was under the regulation
of the magistrates; but that with respect to the artaagemente
• there was now some inquiry going forward.
Mr. CA LCILAFT gave notice, that, on the Ist of May, he
would submit emotion for the total repeal of the Leather Tax..
—(Hear heart )
A petition•was presented from the ship-owners of Hull, en-
gaged in tho oil. trade, agaiust the reduction of the tallow
duties.
41r. CURW EN presented a petition against the redaction of
the foreign tallow ditties from farmers !lad graziers of Wilt-
shire.

Mr. J. SMITH asked whether the government intended. to
bring forward any measure to remedy the evils of the Insolvent
Debtors' Laws ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, that he
was not aware of any intention to bring forward snob • men-
mare, but the situation of government would be turned to that
subject.
Sir J. NEWPORT observed, that if individuals were to
prepare a bill to ameliorate the laws, the attention of the law
°dicers would be directed to frustrate, not to support it.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said, he had attended to dm-
subject, and had introduced a bill last session, anti he was sow
'ready
to listen to any suggestions.
Mr. BRIGIIT said, something ought to be done to protect
the honest creditor against the fraudulent debtor.
Mr. LUSH INGTON- presented papers respecting the army
estraordiaaries, &c.--Ordered to be printed.
Mr. 11U3IE mooed for returns of land tax unredeemed; of
land tax redeemed since 1796, &c.—lle wished to put as es 4
to the espence of this establishment. —Ordered.

Mr. 11.1531 E said he shoold not submit his motion respecting
the Irish foal (Lace, understanding that it irsa about to be
investigated by the commission of intruigy.
The CHANCELLOR or the EXCILEQ,UER moved that
the House go into& committee on the Nativnal Debt Reduetims
Bill.

Mr. P. GRENFELL again spoke stroegly against what bad
truly been termed the `. Sham Sinking Fund,' and lain toted
I that it had continued so long. it had bees at once expensive
and demusive to the country ; and it w. s absurd in principle.
He then adverted to Mr.. Ricard's project for paying off the
whole of the national debt, within a given time, by saarifieieg
a portion of the whole property of the cowry; sad he de-
signated it as the most wild scheme that bad ever been pro-
posed. How was the value of each person's property to be get
at , and what power os persuasion would induce people to sa
crifice so much of their property as to pay off the trifling sum
of 100,000,0001.r—(Hear.) The project was indeed wild in
every point of view. lle concluded with expressiag his warm
support of the bill, as it provided and eontemplatad a real
Sinking Fund.
Mr. J. Shl ITH 'did, whatever might be the real worth of the
Sinking Fund, its existence had been useful in sustaining pelt-
lie credit, and lied enabled bans to be raised on better terms.
Ile expressed his warm approbation of the bill.
Sir H. PARNELL was animal to adopt any measure that
was ielculated to reduce the debt.
Mr. RICARDO said, his objection to the Sinking Fond was
not to the principle, but to the facility with which it might be
diverted to other objects. As to the plan Cur papag off the
national debt (alluded to by Mr. Greniell), its principle was
new ; the means of making the division were established by
the Income Tax. He did not desire that it should be is can
payment, or made in two months. He proposed that it should
be extended over considerable length of time. He was per-
suaded of the advantages rebuking from il. Ile was against
the Sinking Fond, because it placed in im hands of ministers
a power that would encourage them to extravagance.
After some remarks from Mr. ,Montt, &c. the bill went
through a committee.—Report to-morrow.
The remaining orders having been disposed of, the House
adjourned.

WEDNESDAY, SEARCY 12.
There being only 36 Members present st four o'clock, the
SPEAKER declared the house to stand adjourned till to mor-
on.

saids:i foro .:
hul :rim,. on the subject of agrirul.
TIHIgaDAY, MARCH IS.
cis.lic..ctn.phe..atit.ttsi
stoldhcrott:ittlo.wd
taus
tr
saut
a Committeelbe
roe oq.
at.hiets Sligo
been tntered into, the Speaker declared that the Order west be
discharged.—Discharged accordingly.
ngee.than Koine, Esq. he laving
could not postpone his moo-
al:cBAnei,prstweTedwi., i 1
betwthut reiTtmoiwif:RoofirofDdrettechedel
tural difficulties.
INsuLVENT DFIITORS. Act —A petition was presentedTrom
Maidstone, against the Insolvent Debtors' Act.
Mr. S. WORTLEY exprissed the hope that Government
might turn their attention to this important sobject.
Sir E. KNATCIIBULL also desired that these laws should
be fully considered.
The SOLICI'iOR•CENERAL said, that these petitions
must he looked upon with considerable caution and circum-
spection. For the evils complained of there were considers-
ble remedies in the acts, but of which the creditors did uot
avail themselves. Ile approved of the principle ; there might
' be defrcls, aunt if Coy ono would suggest remedies be 'koala
ladly attend to them.

Mr. BRIGHT was sorry to bear that tie Crows Officers had
vs intention to originate mule measure oa this subject ; as the
kW stood, the creditor was without that protection which he
*might to have.
Mr. BENNET said, the government ought to examine the
laws, mid provide remedies. For what were they paid 1 But
any amelioration of the laws was sure to be resisted by the
Lord Chancellor Eldon. The government ought to come to
terms with that personage. The law, as it stood, legalized
fried.

Mr. PEEL defended the government and the learned lord,
tad said they were engaged from morning till night" in the
*eyries of the public.
Petition ordered to be printed.
A new writ was ordered for Inverness fur a member, in the
room of Charles Great, who had accepted the odice of Vioe-
President of Trade.

Mr. G. BENNET, for an bon. Mond, gave isotice, that on
the 28th April a motion would be made on the subject of the
state or the currency.
Mr. B. MOORE, in presenting • petition from Coventry
against the Insolvent Debtors' Act, gave notice that on Tues-
day or Wednesday next be should move for the repeal of those
Acts altogether. Those who approved of the principle of the
dates could easily introduce more oorrected measures.
Sir T. LETHBRIIM.:E prevented a petition from Wood-
brid,;e, Suffolk, complaining of agricultural distress. The pe-
titioners represented that their than Miles were by no means
abated ; that the Ministers had nut afforded reticle& which they
felt the befell ; and that without much other relief they sew
iirtlo hope of redress.
• Petition ordered io be printed.
Mr. LESSARD in consequence of the absence, from indis-
position of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, post-
poned his motion to the 23th instant, respecting the savings its
the third class of the Civil List.

Mr. iIIiTCHINSON presented • petition from the distillers
of Cork, praying that the House would take the state of their
trade into consideration.
Mr. HUTCHINSON prevented a petition from Cork, praying
forthe repeal of the coal duties.
Sir J. NEWPORT presented a petition from St. Mary,
Dublin, praying the revival of the local taxation Committee.
Mr. PLUNKETT said, that to-morrow he should move the
revival of such Committee.
Colonel WOOD gave notice, that on April 23 lie should sub-
mit resolntions respecting the 14w of Settlement.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER presented
pipers, by command of his Majesty, respecting ;be King's
Library. The right hon. gent. said, that on Taesday next be
should submit a motion to the House on the subject.
Lord CRAN BOURN brisegid forward his motion on the sub-
ject of the Guile Laws. His Lordship spoke in a low tone ;
and dwelt on the iucreasiag number of convictions under the
game laws. He cooeluded with mooing for a committee on
Ilse subject.
Sir J. SEER:GMT seconded the motion. He said, the
game laws bad materially affected the morals of the labouring
climes of the community. As a magistrate, he had seen the
pernicious consequesees resulting from such laws. Crowds of
young men, who would bare been incapable of committing any
robbery, were soot to jail ender these laws. He bad learned
what they were before they went to prison, and his duties as a
magistrate gave him but too many opportunities to witness
what they were when they left the jail. He did not consider
the subject as a game question—lie viewed it u one of the
greatest importance to a large class of the labouring com-
muuity.
Sir J. SHELLY spoke in a tory low tome, but he was un-
derstood to defend the game laws' system.
Mr. GIPPS thought the convictions had diminis:ied since
1820, and that cart returns for 1822 ought to he obtained.
Mr. PEEL supported the motion. After the statements
that there were boo convictions in 11320, and 1300 in 181,0, he
thought there was fair ground fur enquiry. He would not
pledg• himself to any particular course—bet be thought an
act to consolidate the laws would be useful, I. simplifying them '
and making them better known.
Col. WOOD was glad to find that there were more liberal j
notions on this subject entertained in the House. lie bad not
altered his tu'od on this subject ; he was glad to bud that the
House had altered Bleier.
Motion agreed to; Committee appointed.
NATIO:4I. Dr.mr.—Mr. BROGDEN presented the Report
of the National Debt Reduction Bill.
Mr.TIERNEY said, he wanted to understand this Bill. By
a resolution it was agreed that there almiuki be a certain
aurplus of revenue fur a Sinking Fund—but if there should
be any fillers of revenue—and if the specific sum were to be
snaintalned—there must be an increase of tales. There was
to he a positive surplus ; the House did not say that if there
were surplus of the revenuae of 6,000,0001. it should be ap-
plied to such purpose—it proposed to enact that such snm
should fie so set apart. lie had not yet learned where the
surplus of bre millions was disc ed; be could net find it
out—no documents had proved it. If this Bill were agreed
to, bow Could the House agree to the reduction of other lases
Their hands wore tied up. The first question was, whether
there etas • surplus of 'live millions ; then where it came from
—how it was proved—and supposing the revenue should fail,
were they still to supply the sum of five millions—whether or
nut there was that amount of surplus ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER was anxious
that the subject should lie clearly understood. He took the
revenue at 60,000,0001. , the expenditure at 47,000,0001.
That left a balance of 3.000,0001,—D, die arrangement re-
specting pensions, it was considered that there would be
2,000,0901. saved. That would reduee the expenditure to
45,000,0001. so that of tie 30,000,0001. revenue, there was •
elver surplus of 5,00:40001. to be applied to the reduction of
slob,. Cutler dome circumstances he felt that he had been
warranted in assuming that there would be a surplus of
6,000,0001. As to another part, he wools! lather have a 1101,
ple•;of mote than L000,uaol.; but he thought that it would
be better to give the country the benefit of the remission of '
taxes.—(Hear.)—lie looked forward to great advantages to
the revenue front a remission of taxes.—(hear.)—Hs, and
the ministers generally, were most anxious to relieve the
eouutry eta much as possible ; and if there were improvement,
es he confidently expected, be should be glad to afford further
re ief to the country.—(llear, bear.)
Mr. 11211 E did not know how the right lion. gentleman
mime to his conelemions. if the country were to derive so
touch benefit from the remiesion of taxes to the amount or
11,200,0001. how much inme benefit would lee derived by a
restitution to the amount of 5,000,0001.?—(/tear, blear.)—lle
spin maintained, that ally surplus hat that of income beyond
expenditure would be a mere mockery ; and he urged that the
bill eonuined contradictory principles and sham regulations.
lie' should propose, as an amendment. that, instead of
14000,001.—,' the surplus of the revenue nut exceediug
11,y00,0001."

I ; i•
THE NATIONAL REOISTEB,

The House divided on the immodident, Ayes 38—hoes 12.
Report agreed to--2141 ordered to be read a third time
to-morrow.

Mr. HUSKISSON obtained leave to bring is • bill to
amend the laws regarding apprenti :es to the sea service.
The remaining orders having beau (Jimmied of, the llousp
adjourned.
FRIDAY, MARCH 14.
A petition was presented from Leicester, for more effectual
means to recover small debts.
Sir J. MACINTosII gave notice, that on the 13th of May,
be should subunit • motion on the subject of the criminal laws.
—lle named se late a day in nenselpienoe of the absence of
various learned gentlemen on the Circuit, &c.
Mr.ll. TWISS brought in a bill to regulate the appoint-
ment of assessors at elections. Read a first time.

Mr. EVANS gave notice, that his bon. Aired (Mr. Wilber-
force) would, on Monday, present 'Volition from the Quakers,
praying that the House would adopt invasures for the gradual
abolition of the slave trade in every part of the British domi-
nions.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL moved, that the House go
int* a committee en the King's Property Bid.
Mr. G. HENN= thought the properly in question was Wy-
lie property, at least from what he rreolleoted of Lord Lon-
donderry's explanation on the sahjcct.
Mr. PEEL said the hon. gent. laboured under a mistake.—
The hill was to grant to the Kin; power over that property
which he possessed, and had power over as Prince of Wales.
The property at Brighton, for inetance, wee private property,
having been purchased with the Priebe of Wales', private
lands.

fdr. D.24IENNET explained.

Bill referred to ■ cum.miitee.

Mr. WARRE observed, that, if be did not much mistake,
according to the Civil List Report of 1816, much of the lue-.1
allure at the Pavilion bad been paid for by the Lord Chamber-
lain, out of the Civil List. •
Mr. PEEL said, that the bill did net apply to personal or
Crowni property ; it only regaided freehold property, &c.—
Report on Monday.
Lord PALMERSTON moved, that the House go into
committee on the Matioy Bill.
Colonel DAVIS moved, that it be an instruction to the com-
mittee to introduce a clause to prevent the Crown from dismis-
sing officers from the army without their being first subjected
to a court-martial. He expected to hear mach of prerogative, of
its uninterrupted exercies ; be had partaken of the commonly
received notion, but the inquiry which be instituted, on the
dismission of a much esteemed friend, (Sir R. Wilson), per-
suaded him that the power was not warranted by the law. It
was, lie maintained, in the teeth of the Aaseal Mutiny Act.—
That act gave power in divers eases ' • so that all persona, whe-
ther officers or soldiers, were protected ander the /ills of the
law. The bill expressly gave the power to erect courts martial
to t.y officers who might be charged with any improper offence.
The-power of the Crown was to punish for offences against the
articles of war ; If those articles were not violated, no offence
had been:committed ; and to ascertain whether any offence bad
bees cominiited, courts-martial must be named. Blackstone

was sgainst the severe power even of trying for violation of
articles arbitrarily made by the Crown; but what would Black-
stone have sod had be contetopleted inch dismissals without
remits-martial ? By such practice the Crows became legislator
as well as Judge and Jury, and could it ever have been in-
tended to give the Crown such power? Since 179.1 there had
been 1189 cases of injustice. Yes, lie wou d contend that they
had been cases of injustice.—(llene, bear, from both sides.)—
if a man committed murder in the street in the prestenoo of
hundreds of witnesses, b. was not 'banged at the next lamp.
post; be was tried according to the laws; and why were
officers to be treated with so much less ceremony ? Way war.
officers of the army, who bad as extra code of laws br articles
to obey, to be treated so enteremonionsly ? The hos. member
a &veiled to many of the cases of injustice, the number of
which wsa proved by a parliamentary return. lie contended.
that the power exercised over officers by the Crown was most
pernicious, and of injurious tendency. lie concluded by
moving the instruction to the committee, to insert a clause to
prevent the Crown diewissing officers who have sot been tried
by courts martial, &c.
Lord PALMERSTON maintained the motion could not he
supported by the /loose. It was the prerogative of the Crown,
and bad been ,such from the earliest time ; and it was not a
prerogative for the gratification of theil o ign, but for the
maintenance of the constitution. The right bad been invariably
exercised. lie need not make long quotations—be would abide
by the nature of the cue, and the recognition of various acts
of Parliament. The supreme government of the army had
always been vested in the Crown, and there was nothing in the
mutiny art which limited such power. That act was intended
to give the Crown the summary mode of proceeding in sum-
mary oases. But for such act, how could the Crown proceed
against such men, hut by the slow and ordinary mode which
regarded the subject generally? And that might be dangerous
where men bad arms to their hands. It was clear, by the
construction that had always bean put on the prerogatives, that
the King had the supreme commuud of the army •
After some remarks from Mr. Hume, &c. the amendment
was negatived without ad• 'on. The bill weut through a
committee. Report on Monday.
NAVY EsTi AMIS.—The House having resolved into a Com-
mittee of supply,
Sir J. OSBORNE brought forward the Navy Estimates.
He stated, that with the exception of the slumber of men,
24,000' granted fur the service of the year, being an increase,
as compared with last year. tke estimate's were nearly the same
as last year. The grant for the inen, had already been taken
and on the other items he would give snob explanations as
might be required. Where savings could be effected; they
had been attended to ; but reductions that might affect the
naval service certainly had not been proposed. The following
is an abstract of the Estimates:—
I.—Wages, floluale, wear and tear, and
Ordnance for 25,000 men £1,543,750 0 0
11—Ordinary Estimete(eter abating 122.00a1
tar Navy, and 9,000 f. fur Victualling Old
Stores, received iu 1822) 3,263.490 6 8
111.—Extra Estimates 535,300 0 0

£5,442,540 6 8
He concluded with moist/ the several grants inakiuz op the
above grand totals.
The several resolutions were agreed to, sod the report was
ordered to be received on Monday.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER proposed the
third reading of the National Debt Reduction lill.

Mr. BENNET and Lord A. HAMILTON orrineed the read
lug of the bill at au late Liu hour, uod deelared they would tAke
the eenNe of the Houee oil the queatioa for reading the order
of the

as

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER consented to
postpone the third reading to Monday,
The House then went into a Committee of Ways and Mena's.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER proposed re-
solutions for applying the Ways mid Means of the preseut year
—the amount of monies remaioin4 to ',may certain grants of
former year,' outstanding ; the balance of the W a'• and Means
of former year., unapplied ; the sum■ receivable, in 1823,
from the trustees of naval and military pensions, render the net
of the is l Session of Parliament ; the amount of the balances
of unclaimed dividends end lottery priers remaining in the
hands of the Bank of England ; all sums which may he paid
into the Exchequer in the year 1823, on account of Exchequer
Bills advanced for public works ; the estimated amount of the
unappropriated produce of the Consolidated Fund in they tar
ending the Sib of April, 1824. The several Resolutions were
agreed to, report on Monday.
The other orders were disposed of, and the House adjourned.,

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