The Sun.
London, England, 1852-02-04 00:00:00

THE SUN,

the progress made in its social condition. He now came to a
subject which related to transactions which had taken place
in Ireland. Ho was happy to inform the House, however,
that measures were in contemplation for the improvement
of the condition of Ireland.—(Hear, hear.) But while
he was now on this subject, he could not resist the
opportunity of addressing a few words to Hon. Members
connected with Ireland. He had found it stated in several
of the Irish newspapers, that it was understood to be the in-
tention of a party in that House to oppose every measure,
no matter of what character, which might be brought for-
ward by the Government this session. Ile trusted that such
would not prove to be the case. It perhaps was indiscreet
in him to allude to it, but his feelings as an Englishman
forced him to say that he was not,. in referring to those
matters, actuated by any unkindly feeling, and there were
circumstances which to some in that House would be a gua-
rantee that he was not actuated by any such. There was,
however, a section in that House, not formidable by their
numbers, but respectable by their talents. They were last
year bound by a bond, and, by their combination, ob-
structed much of the business of the session. He trusted
that that party would not pursue the same obstructive
course this session, and that the rumours to which he had
alluded of their intention to do so would prove un-
founded. He implored them to pause and reflect well upon
the injurious consequences that must result from such a
course. Let them look round the House, and where, he
would ask, would they find a party who would act with the
same consideration that the Noble Lord at the head of the
Government did last session? - (Hear, hear.) Supposing
they bring in the Right Hon. Baronet the Member for Ripon,
would they make it a condition with him to bring in a Bill to
repeal the Papal Aggression Bill, or would the Right Hon.
Baronet himself bring in one of his own accord? There
were circumstances passing in that nation which were of great
importance. There were two parties there struggling for the
mastery between constitutional and semi-constitutional prin-
ciples. This country could not look indifferently on at those
proceedings. With respect to the Roman Catholics, the peo-
ple of this country wished well to them, and were most anxi-
ous to afford to them the free exercise of their religion; but

while they accorded to them all that was just in that way,
he might say that the peeple of this country were essentially
Protestant, and determined, uninfluenced by Papal ordinances,
to uphold the Protestant principles. With those views he
should conclude by hoping that the House would agree to
unanimously vote a loyal and dutiful address to the Throne.
—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) The Honourable Baronet here
read the Address. _ _

Mr. BONHAM CARTER, in seconding the address, ex
pressed a sense of the difficult position in which he was
placed, and a hope that the House would extend that in-
dulgence to him which it had on all similar occasions ex-
tended to Hon. Members placed in the same situation. The
Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to advert to the circum-
stance of Members taking formal possession of the new
House of Commons. Whatever subject they might hear
discussed, he believed the House of Commons would ever
maintain its dignity ; and although they did not possess
the sp'endour of the other House of Parliament—although
they did not see on their walls episodes from the history
of every country—and although their walls were not adorned
with those exquisite specimens of art, which were dis-
played in the other House, still this House would not the
less perform its duty to the country. The people of this
country always relied with veneration on the institutions of
their country, and he might say, that they felt neither
jealousy nor opposition towards foreign countries, and in
particular they did not entertain any hostile views towards
that country whose geographical position to England was so
important.— (Hear. ) The object of this country was to
establish feelings of amity with every country. Englishmen
were naturally proud of their institutions, they wished to see
them maintained, yet they would not enforce them on any
country. It should not, however, be forgotten that their
material interests were essentially bound up with those of
foreign states, and confidence was therefore essentially neces-
sary, whether in matters relating to the withdrawal of capi-
tal, or diversion of it into other channels, as in former years,
when heavy losses were sustained. For these reasons, this
House, and the people of the country, would hail with satis-
faction the maintenance of peace with foreign countries.
He believed that no precaution was wanting on the part of
tiny party who had a share in the Government of the
country, and who had the interests which every freeman had
at heart, to maintain the continuation of peace.—(Hear,
hear.) He ventured with great deference to say that the
Character which this:country ought to maintain with other
nations was expressed in the words of the Roman poet :-
7 Populus nobilissirnus; quique magnitudinem imam malit
Justitia tueri, sine. cupiditate, sine impotentia ; quieti secre-
tique. Nulls. provocant belle ; prompts tamen omnibus
arms, ac si res poscat, exercitus. Quieecentibus eadem
lama."—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) He trusted that the
nation would ever feel its just weight to maintain its autho-
iity, and that God would save it from any interference with
foreign states.—(Renewed cheers.) Her Majesty had called
their attention particularly to a subject the details of which
had occupied much conversation. It was a painful subject,
and one which he regretted they should have to discuss at
the present time. lie should not mention it, but that in the
last session, in Committee, he felt. it to be his duty to call
attention to it. In reference to that subject he would only
say, that the present outbreak was not occasioned by aggres-
sion on our part. Whatever opinion might be entertained as
to the constitution necessary for that colony, all agreed that
it was necessary first to vindicate our power and authority,
and until that was done, it was almost premature to discuss
the subject.—(Hear, hear.) The peculiar circumstances
attending the military operations, now carrying on in that
colony, rendered the presence of a large number of troops
indispensable. The country therefore would not be sur-
prised at a proposal for the augmentation of the army, a
measure upon which also the general safety in a great mea-
sure would depend.—(Hear, hear.) Her Majesty's Ministers
would also, in due course, inform the House of the measures
to be submitted to Parliament for the improvement of the
administration of the law. Her Majesty had also congratu-
lated the House that notwithstanding the large reduction
which had taken place in taxation, there had not been a
proportionate diminution in the annual revenue.—(Hear.)
In addition, he believed that the present state of her Ma-
jesty's subjects was a source of great and general satisfac-
tion. Their prosperity was increasing ; that would be ap-
parent by a brief reference to the sources of revenue. The
exports had enormously increased—they amounted to three
millions sterling. At the same time commerce hail not
suffered, according to auguries that had been made.—
(Hear, hear.) They had now three ships for every
two which they had in 1832. They had one ship of 130
tons now for every ship of 100 tons in that year. Last year
there was a larger amount of tonnage returning freight than
was ever known. The home market was favourable and
satisfactory to the manufacturers. That test of prosperity,
the poor law, was also in their favour. There was a general
reduction in the relief required. There was a general ad-
Vance in the comforts of the people. The working classes
were better off. Their houses were more comfortable. They
consumed more tea, more butter, and more animal food.
There had not been at any time a larger demand for labour.
The abundance of the people was the best source of safety
and security for the nation.—( Hear.) There was another
point which should not be passed over in silence : great
numbers of the population had congregated last year to
see the Great Exhibition. Their comfortable appearance
I was remarkable.—(Hear.) In alluding to these subjects,
he felt he must claim the indulgence of the House.—(Hear,
hear.) One of the closing paragraphs of her Majesty's
Speech called attention to the tranquillity, good order, and
willing obedience to the laws prevailing throughout the
country. Whilst all classes were vieing with each other in
the maintenance of the law and in loyalty to the Sovereign.
there could not be a more fitting time to take into considera-
tion the propriety of extending the franchise, or making
such amendments to the Act of the last reign, relating to
the representation of the Commons in Parliament, as may
be deemed calculated to carry into more complete effect the
principles upon which it was founded. (Loud cries of
" Hear, hear.") He believed that the intelligence of the
country justified them in taking the subject of reform into
consideration. There had been a vast increase in postal in-
tercommunication. At the present time nearly a million
of letters per diem passed through the post. That showed a
general increase of commercial intercourse. Many write
letters now who never wrote them before. There were ex-
traordinary advantages from the press in .the number and
character of the literature sent forth. The number of cheap
and sound publications of every description was un-
precedented. The well-know a publishers, Messrs. Chambers,
sent forth of such publications no less than 10,000,000 sheets
per annum ; and this increased circulation had given rise, of
late, to the necessity of raising the style of the subjects.
The number of mechanics institutes and valuable libraries was
considerable. There was a point which he felt a peculiar
interest in noticing. He alluded to the increase of friendly
societies. There were now 4,000,000 subscribers to these
societies. The number of depositors in savings' banks,
in 1832, was 433,000; they had now increased to
11,000,000 depositors. (Hear, hear.) These facts
showed the increasing prosperity and intelligence of the
people, and justified the claims of a large class to a parti-
cipation in the representation, which was the simplest
act of Government. But while noticing these
topics, it was undeniable that some great social evils loomed
in the distance. Doubts were entertained whether the prin-
ciples now regulating capital and labour would be perma-
nent. But he would no longer trespass on the House.—
(Hear, hear.) He felt that he had performed the duty cast
upon him. The page of history was yet before them. He felt
that the questions they were to be called upon to debate
were great and serious. Duties were gathering round every
man in the " coming time," but he felt that her Majesty
might place reliance upon them, and that the stability of the
institutions of the country depended upon the character of
the people.—(Cheers.) And while they were vieing toge-
ther in loyalty and good order, and engaged in the just con-
sideration of the rights of all, he felt and hoped they would
all cordially jeln with him in the sentiment
" That naught should make us rue,
If England to herself prove true."—(Cheers.)
The Address was then read by the Clerk at the table.
MINISTERIALhavinbeen
put, EXPLANATIONS.
LOPD JOHN RUSSELL AND LORD PALMERSTON.
The‘
question
Sir B. HALL rose, and said, he was not about to offer
any opposition to the Address; but, as one of the first
paragraphs in it related to the foreign policy of this
country, and as great and important changes had taken
place in the Ministry, esp •
to the administratieenciaolfly in that part of it which re-
latedlr foreign affairs, he might
be excused if he took this, the
the Noble Lord at the head of threstGopportunity, of asking
ernment to give the
explanationco of what had led to
hear)—but it was consequent House and the country some
was an unusual
uepeon circum-
stancesthe change. He was aware that this
raarnt ieonnt. Almost
which were of rare occurrence, anmdewtthniehr
had pre-
cedenttakfeonr
placeit inasl
iBnw2 Btah'sewrasha.nedvnmePdi- Administration.
irslti
the
w n
ot
one--(Hear,
immediatelyas
wawas
a Governmentiawcoasocsaelgleadeneene
after h
aadl changeto
ed
4:aokne
on_tothgivingthe
after the Address
and,
f though the ciracnumobsjteaentFmens
was
and so
that explanation a moment, ana;ti:at 'that
.it
the explanation was asked
of the time at which
,for, but the
the for
an
alterationexP
reason for not giving
it was
wereg not presentii
parties who were concerned
which then took 'Alsace the
time.
On referring to the debates he found
the Secretary-at-War, ford Palmerston, replied
that such
given till the parties were
explanations would not ba
nc d
pre-
sent. In this instance the parties co
and when, in the case to which reference was made, the
parties entered the House an explanation was given to Par-
liament and to the country. It was necessary to refer to
the oponhtg of Parliament on the 31st of January, 1850. The
Royal Commissioners by whom Parliament was then opened
were ordered to state that " Her Majesty, haPPiIY continued
in peace and amity with foreign powers. Itould be -
w
re-
collected that a debate took place on the Address, and,
though 507 Members were present, not one word was then
said respecting the foreign policy of the country, and not
one single objection was taken to the administration of the
foreign policy by the Noble Lord at the head of that depart-
ment. From the journals of the ;other House it apeared
that a motion was made there on what was called " the
Greek question." That motionwa.s carried against the Go-
vernment by a large majority. Hon. Members on the other
side of the House were taunted with not bringing forward a
motion in accordance with that carried by their
political friends elsewhere; and, on their declining to do so,
the Hon. and Learned Member for Sheffield moved a resolu-
tion, which was carried by a large—he might say trium.