The Sun.
London, England, 1864-05-24 00:00:00

tinct assurance from the Prussian Government that no
forced contribution should be raised after the 11th.
Mr. WHITESIDE : My question has not been an-
swered, I have asked what the terms of the armistice

Mr. LAYARD: It was undoubtedly agreed that no
forced contribution should be made after the 11th.
Mr WHITESIDE—Is that instrument in writing, and
will it be laid upon the table that we may endeavour to
understand it ?
Mr D. GRIFFITH, whose rising was the signal for
laughter, said the question of the right hon. gentleman was
addressed to a higher authority than the hon. member. It
was addressed to the noble lord at the head of the Govern-
ment, whom they all rejoiced to see once more amongst them
fulfilling his high functions. There was a certain ambiguity
in the answer of the hon. member, and therefore he desired
to ask in what coin the provisions taken for the Prussian
troops would be paid for.
Lord PALMERSTON—I thought it better that my hon.
friend the Under Secretary of State would answer the ques-
tion of the right hon. gentleman, because it referred to
matters cf departmental detail with which he is necessarily
better acquainted than I could be. With regard to the
question now put my hon. friend has stated the armistice
distinctly provided that no contribution should be levied
after the signature of the armistice, and that all things re-
quired and had by the Prussian and Austrian troops should
be paid for to the people who delivered them. Well, I am
asked whether that engagement has been fulfilled. My hon.
friend has stated that Count Bismarck, the Prussian Minis-
ter, has assured her Majesty's Government that it will be
fulfilled, and we cannot take upon ourselves to doubt that
the Prussian Government has the power of compelling its
local officers to obey the orders issued in pursuance of inter-
national engagements. The hon. member asks me how
payments are to be made by the Prussian authorities, but
that is a question beyond my power to answer. The en-
gagement is that payment shall be made, but with regard
to the mode of payment, that is a matter which depends
upon the arrangements entered into by the Prussian Go-
vernment.
The motion for adjournment was then agreed to.
The Vacating of Seats (House of Commons), the Army
Prize (Shares of Deceased), and the Beer-houses (Ireland)
Bills were read a second time.
The Pier and Harbour Orders Confirmation Bill was re-
ferred to a select committee.
The Limited Penalties, the Chain Cables and Anchors,
and the Chief Rents (Ireland) Bills were passed through
committee.

In committee of the whole house, on the motion of Sir J.
HAY, the Chairman was directed to move the house that
leave be given to bring in a bill to authorise the Governor
and Company of the Bank of England to issue their notes in
Scotland, and to make such notes a legal tender there,
which they were not at present in any place north of the
Tweed. Subsequently leave was given to introduce the
bill.

A resolution was also agreed to in committee of the whole
house, on the motion of the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHE-
QUER, that it was expedient to enable certain banking co-
partnerships, which may discontinue the issue of their own
bank-notes, to sue and be sued by their public officer.
Leave was given to Si: H. BRUCE to bring in a bill to
alter the days for shooting game in Ireland, by assimilating
the law to that of England and Scotland.
The select committee on the Patent-office library and
museum were nominated ; and at 20 minutes to 7 o'clock
the house adjourned until Thursday,