The Sun.
London, England, 1852-02-20 00:00:00

STAMP ON MONTHLY PUBLICATIONS.

Mr. SCHOLEFIELD wished to know whether the
Government acquiesced in the decision of the Barons of
the Exchequer with respect to stamping of monthly
publications, and if so, whether they were prepared to
return the fines which had been inflicted prior to that
decision by the Board of Inland Revenue on a misre-
presentation of the laws ? The proprietor of the
Wakffield Examiner had cempromised an action in-
stituted against him by the payment of 51., and he wished
that sum to he refunded.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said what
he stated on a former occasion was, that he was not dis-
posed to question further the point which was raised in the
case of the Household Words, but he did nos mean to say
that he acquiesced in a decision which set aside an interpre-
tation of the law that had existed,for upwards of 200 years.
There were, however, very few cases in which fines had
been inflicted. Indeed, he believed the Wakefield Exa-
miner was the only one, and he was certainly not dis-
posed to return the money which had been paid in that
Case.
In reply to Mr. HUME, who inquired whether the
Government acquiesced in the decision of the Barons
of the Exchequer,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said he
did not mean to attempt to reverse the decision, but it
was under consideration whether the Government should
be guided by it.

THE MAGARA.
Mr. ROEBUCK wished to ask a question with re-
spect to the Government steam-vessel Magtera, which
some time since was dispatched to the Cape with
.800
soldiers on board. A letter appeared in the Times from
a clergymar, stating that when she started there was
great confusion on board, that nothing was prepared tor
the voyage, and that every one who saw her were as-
sured some dreadful disaster would happen to her before
she got to the end of her voyage. A few days after-
wards she was driven into Plymouth by stress of vrea-
ther, having met with a severe gale in
the Channel. Another letter appeared in the
saint., paper last Tuesday, stating that she
took 17 clays to arrive at Madeira, the ordinary
time:for a sailing vessel was 15 days, and for a steam-
vessel 7 days. and that this delay arose from her having
only six days' coal on board. The letter also added that
the vessel was twice on: fire during the voyage. Now he
wished to learn whether those statements were correct
Sir F. BARING said the Magaers was built in a
private yard, and her engines made by a private manu-
facturer. She wus built of iron, and being thought fit
for the conveyance of troops, was fitted up with great
care for that purpose. She was twice in-
spected by the Board, and several times by competent
naval officers iwho spoke in the strongest terms of her
capabilities for carrying troops. Every possible accom-
modation was provided for the soldiers, officers, and
crew. It was proposed by the Admiralty that the
number of troops to be conveyed should be diminished
by 100 but, the authorities at the Horse Guards
were opposed to the separation of the troops on the
ground that it would interfere with their proper disci-
pline. It was quite true there were ordnance
stores on board, but no more than necessary
for the use of the soldiers. The delay in the
voyage to Madeira arose, not from a deficiency
of coal, but to a long-continued gale and hurricane, such
as the Captain of the Birkenhead said he had never seen
before. The fires on board were occasioned by the ig-
nition of some felt near the boilers; but they were of no
serious character.

Mr. ROEBUCK said he had been informed that vessels
were sent to the Cape without ammunition, an error
which was not discovered until after the ships returned
home, and he begged to give notice that he should ask a
question on this point on Monday.
Mr. FITZROY should be glad to know whether any
improvement had been effected or was going on with ra-
fererce to the better coaling of ships?
Sir F. BARING said some improvements had been
recently effected.

_
THE AMAZON.
IlLfr. M. GIBSON wished to put a question on the
subject of the Amazon. It would be remembered that
some of the crew and passengers of the Amazon
found their way :into Brest Harbour, and imme-
diately afterwards the French Admiral, with great
humanity sent a ship to sea with a view to aid or save
►he lives of any other persons who might be found in
boats.—(Cheers.) The question he wished to ash- the
Noble Lord at the head of the Government was whether
the Government had expressed to the French Go-
vernment the gratification which had been felt in this
country at the humane conduct of their Admiral.
. _

Lord JOHN RUSSELL had only to say, that her
Majesty's Government had felt great gratitude to the
French Admiral for the efforts be had madf in
the cause of humanity—(Hear, hear)—and Lord G ran-
vine had conveyed the thanks of tier Majesty in the
name of the British nation to the French Governu tent,
tor the service which their officers had so promptly and
humanely rendered.—(Cheers.)
Mr. HUME should be glad to know when the et Ire-
spontlence with Admiral Ommannry would be laic I on
the table. His conduct prevented a very strange con' aast
be that of the humanity of the French Admiral.
Sir F. BARING said it had already been laid on the
table.