The Sun.
London, England, 1864-03-10 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF COMMONS—Last Evening.

The Speaker took the chair at twelve o'clo2.k.
DISPUTED ELECTIONS.

Sir W. MILES brought up the names of the gentlemen
appointed to try the validity of the Berwick•upon-Tweed
and Lisburn elections, stafing- that the general committee
will, on Monday next, strike the committee to try the
validity of the Barnstaple election.
PENAL SERVITUDE BILL.

Mr. NEILL gave notice that is the Penal :Servitude Bill
he would move an omission in clause 2.
TRESPASS (IRELAND) BILL.
Mr. ORMSBY GORE moved the second reading of the
bill, the object of which was to assimilate the law of Ireland
to the law of Engllnd as established by the Act of 1831,
which had worked extremely well.
Sir R. PEEL said he would offer no objection to the
second reading of the bill. lie thought certain modifica-
tions would have to be made in committee in certain provi- '
sions of the bill, eTpccially those relating to the pursuit of
game.
The bill was read a second time, and ordered to be com-
mitted after Easter.

WATCHING OF TOWNS (IRELAND) BILL.
Sir H. BRUCE moved the secpnd reading of this bill,

which had been readorel necessary owing to the failure of
the police to ex.,eive their duty in Ireland. It was not that
that force generally was wanting in ability, but in conse-
quence of their being appointed to perform duties for which
they had not been organthed. The cost of the police in
Ireland amounted in round numbers to three-quarters
of a million, yet little good was effected, and, speak-
ing generally, the country was most badly watched.
The object of his measure was to empower the Lord Lieu-
tenant to appoint watchmen in addition to the police force,
as it might be asked for by the inhabitants of certain towns
and boroughs for night duty, and in the event of his Excel-
lency not attending to the representations within the space
of three months, then the towns commissioners of those
places requiring additional force might secure and pay them
themselves. _ .

• __
Sir It. PEEL objected to the bill. The eff,ot of it would
be to create a number of watchmen or " Charley's "

(laughter)—in addition to the police. The result would be
that tho two sections would come into collision, and instead
of protecting the public peace it would be more likely to
endanger it. Such places as Cork and Galway did not ask
for such a measure, and he could but regrot that Coleraine
should be so unruly as to require additional watchmen.
The bill had been most carelessly draw up, end under 'these
circumstances he hoped it would not be pressed forward. If
he could point out any defects in the present police force, or it
he could show him how ho could add to its present efficiency
he should be most happy to carry his suggestions into

effect.
Lord NAAS supported the bill. He thought it was one
that would do a great deal of good, and not at all likely to
lead to the consequences anticipated by the right hon.
baronet who had just sat down.
Mr. H. HERBERT defended the Irish judges from a
charge of having neglected their duty in the suppression

of crime.
Sir It. PEEL disclaimed any intention to speak' disre-
spectfully of any of the Irish judges.
Sir F. HEYGA.TE did not think the intention of the
bill was to take the appointment out of the hands of the
Government. He thought it would be advisable to allow
the bill to be read a second time, and thus its defects could
be amended in committee. _ _ _

Mr: GEORGE also defended the Irish judges.
Col. DUNNE testified to the efficiency of the Irish con-
stabulary, but denied their efficiency as a protective force.
Mr. BEADY objected to the bill, and moved that it be
read a second time this day six months.
After a few words from several hosktmembers the bill
was withdrawn.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (METRIC SYSTEM)
BILL.
Mr. W. EWART moved the second reading of this bill.
The object lie had in view in submitting the present mea-
sure was to introduce the metric system of weights and
measures, which had met with the approbation of the great
Continental Powers. He had introduced a bill with the
same object last year, but he had not been successful in
passing it through Parliament. On the present occasion
all ho proposed to do was to introduce a permissive bill.
Committees of the house had reported in favour of the
system. A majority of the house had also declared in its
favour, and the congress held at Berlin came to the conclu-
sion that the metric system was the most convenient form
of international weights and measures. At the last meet-
ing of the British Association, held at Newcastle, Sir Wm.
Armstrong strongly urged the introduction of the metric
system into this country. The other day there had been a
meeting of the members of the Chambers of Commerce, of
the United Kingdom, and they had come to an unanimous
conclusion in favour of the system which ho was ad-
vocating. The metric system of weights and measures was
not now legal in this country, and the object of this per-
missive bill was to make it so. If his proposition received
the sanction of Parliament the most beneficial effects
would result to many of the trades in the country,
because thin it would be in the power of portions of the
mercantile community to adopt the metric system if they
felt so disposed. When the novelty of the system had worn
off, he telt there would not be the slightest opposition to the
rendering the bill a compulsory measure.
Mr. LOCKE secinded the motion for the second reading
of the bill, because he looked upon the present system of
wcights and measures in England most defeetive. If the
motion was agreed to it would enable hon. members to
improve, if it should he thought necessary to do so, certain
portions of the bill, because he felt certain his noble friend
was only anxious that the system should have a trial in
this: country. The hon. gentleman then proceeded, to
draw a comparison between the system at present in
we in England end the French metric system, and
said that beyond all question the latter was the best.
No inconvenience could arise if the present measure was
agreed to, because it left it entirely to the choice of the
public whether they would use the met•ie in preference to
the present ay stem of weights and measures. He did not
think it was a fair objection to this measure to say that
because grown-up persons had become acquainted with
one system they should not be asked to learn another. He
was certain the must beneficial results would follow the in-
troduction of the metric system, and therefore he hoped
the house would give its assent to the bill of his hon.
friend.
Mr. M, GIBSON said the present measure had nothing
at all to do with decimalising the coinage, but it was one
the object of which was to change the unit, and the ques-
tion before them was would they.graht ayermissive change
in that unit. They had already two standards, viz., the
English yard and the avoirdupois° pound, but if the pre-
sent permissive bill was agreed to, there would then be a
third, namely, the metric, which would not at all add to the
simplification of the subject of weights and measures. On
the former occasion he had stated that he objected to the
compulsory use of the metric system being added to our
present weights and measures ; but as far as regards the
permissive power to usi•tg the metric system in certain con-
tracts if the p ►rties engaged in them preterred it, he had no
objection. He weak' not therefore oppose the second read-
ing of the bill ; but he wished it to be clearly understood
that he guarded himself against assenting to all its clauses.
He declined to say that it would be right to add a new stan-
dard to the system of weights and measures now in legal

use.
Mr. HENLEY thought the subject of such importance
that alteration ought to be left in the hands of the Govern.
ment. The hon member for Southwark appeared to be of
opinion that if they succeeded in getting the present bill
through Parliament the compulsory measure would very
shortly follow. He thought he ought t, rest satisfied with
the acknowledgment of the legality of the metric system in
this country, and as the right hon. gentleman the President
of the Board of Trade had stated he guarded himself against
accepting the whole clauses of the bill, he (hir. Henley)
should not vote against the second reading.
Mr. ADDERLEY said it was of the greatest importance
to the commerce of the country that there should be an
uniform system of weights and measures, but he could not
estimate the importance that such an uniformity would
confer upon international commerce. There been much
ridicule cast upon the metric system, but it is easy enough
to turn any syste LI into ridicule, and therefore it was not
to be taken as a proof of the correctness of certain deduc-
tions because laughter happened to bo occasioned by it.
He looked upon the metric system as one of most marvel-
lous simplicity.
Mr. HANKEY thought the G overnment ought to have
taken the matter in hand after the decision of the house
last year. He thought the right hon, gentleman the Pre-
sident of the Board of Trade was only wasting the time' f
the house by declaring his intention not to oppose the
second reading, while it was well known that he was
opposed to alt its details. He suggested that the bill
should pass the present stage pro forma, that the Go-
vernment should then take the matter into their hands.
It was quite a farce for the house to go into committee on
this bill, when it was known that the right hon. gentleman
would oppose the progress of the measure clause by
clause.
Mr. WALTER looked upon the measure as a revolu-
tionary one, because it proposed to alter the whole system of
weights and measures now in existence. A permissive bill
was altogether out of the question; if the system was
adopted at all it must be compulsory. A great cry at one
time had been made in favour of the florin, it was looked
upon as a great step towards a decimalisation of the coinage,
but he was certain a more useless 'and absurd coin had
never been made. (Hear, hear.) There was rome sense
in the half-crown, but the only purpose that had been
served by the coining of the florin was to do some unhappy
schoolboy or servant out of his fee. (Laughter.)
moved that the tell be read a second time that day six
months.
Mr. J. B. SMITH supported the bill.
Colonel SYKES said it was a disgrace to this country
to lag behind all other nations in adopting the metric)
system. Ile meld only rconcile the
the measure was met by objection with which
the supposition that many hnn.
members never learned decimals when they were at school.
(Laughter.)
Mr. BUXTON approved of the principle of the bill.
Col. BARTELorr expressed his intention of voting
against the measure.
Mr. BAINES thought the metric system an admirable
one, and he also thought the hon. member who had moved
the rejection of the bill would live to
o regret his having in
the slightest degree rpposed its intrduction.
The hou
the
ede ecisvidoendd,
For wrehaes there appeared--
ee
Against it
Majority
The bill was then read a second irate.
CATTLE DISEASES PREVENTION AND IM-
pouTATIoN BILLS.

Mr. BRUCE in moving the second reading of these two
bills detailed to the house the cruelties perpetrated upon
cattle in their transport from the breeding quarters to the
place of sale, and also the lamentable Effects that followed
the consumption of diseased meat, which in many cases is
sold to the poorer classes. Cases of that description had
frequently occurred, and in one which took place in the
city of London within the last two years nearly 80 persons
were seriously affected through partaking of diseased meat,
which had been sold to them in the shape of sausages.
Then, again, thre was another system of "polishing" up
diseaSed meat, which was effected by killing a good, sound
fat ox at the came time as the diseased cattle, and then
smearing or rubbing the hot fat of the good animal Over the
dead carcase of the latter, It was of the utmost mportauo

that these objectionable practices should be discontinued, e Ad
the most effectual way to accomplish that was to establish
a rigid inspection over all animals before they were exposed
for sale in the public markets. The object of the bill. was
to prevent cattle trom being turned out in any field in a
diseased state; from being exposed for sale or being
driven along the highways in a similar state ; the
penalty for doing either of which was not t 3 exceed
VA. Another provision was, that it was imperative vn all
railway and canal companies to thoroughly cleanse the
trucks and boats used for the conveyance of cattle, and that
the animals should be watered once in every 12 hours. In-
specters would be appointed under the bill who would, in a
great measure, prevent the importation of diseased meat
from foreign parts. He proposed that after the bills had been
read a second time they should be referred to a select com-
mittee, with a view of c nisolidating the other acts now in
existence on the same subject
After a few words from Mr. Packs, Mr. Caird, Mr. New-
detate, Mr. Holland, and Alderman Salomons,
The bills were read a second tittle and ordered to be re-
ferred to a select committee.