The Sun.
London, England, 1852-04-20 00:00:00

GOLD MINES.
Colonel THOMPSON begged to postpone his motion
on this iiulj et 1.0 the 27,h in 4.
PASSENERS ACT AMENDMENT BILL.

I • The Douse having., one into Committee on this Bill,
Mr S. HERBERT said the Hotise- was aware that
!hi{ Bill was rhea emuna,ion of a report fu.nished by a
Select Committee, which sit last yi,ar to inquire into
the operatiou of_the Passeneers M 1849. It referred
to the passage of Irish emigrants betwoen Great Britain,
Irelacd, and the United Slates; and in order that the
measure should be carried into effective operation it was
necessary to obtain assistance.by referring to the United
States Passenger Aet.—(Hear, hear.) , The existing
United States B;11 was more stringent • than the British
Act, and as the former would be put in force on the ar-
rival of the vessel, they had therein a guarantee that
the protection provided- by the Act would be put in
force. But the present Bill proposed a new regulation,
which be believed would be found. objectionable. The
food was to be served out to the. passengers uncooked
twice a wrek; but from sea-sickness or want of accom-
modation in the galleys the passengers could not always
cook their food. Now, he thought it would be very ad-
visable to procure the assentor the American Government
to modify their Act so as to meat the requirements of the
case.

Sir J. PAKINGTON would have no objection to
carry out the sug4estions of the _Right Hon. Gentleman,
provided it could Ir) done without any unnecessary delay
to the passing of the 13W.
After some observations from Mr. Duncan nod Mr.
Cardwell, which did not roach the gallery, and which
Mr. Goulburn complained he could not hear a word of,
the clause was agreed to, as were the other olauses up
to 15.

On clause 16, a conversation arose as to the power of
the tribunal of appeal between Sir J. Pakington, Mr.
W. Brown. Alderman Thompson, and Mr.Adrierley.
Mr. W. BROWN suggested that the magistrate should
be empowered to take the opinion of seamen, provision
merchants, and other competent persons, on any point of
dispute, so as to avoid the loss of time consequent on the
appeal.
Mr. F. BARING thought it would be well if the
Government would take into consideration the pro-
priety of settling some summary and practicsble power
of appeal._

Mr. S HERBERT said an appeal might be inconve-
nient to the shipowner, but then the question might in-
volve ,he safety of hundred:4of lives.—(Hear.)
Sir J. PAKINGTON said the emigrant officers, who.
under the clause as it stood, would have the power of
el,cision, were very competent, and were naval officers,
acquainted with nautical matters; and the appeal would
probably be to parties less competent to decide, and
having no nautical kuowledgo at all.—(Hear..) How-
ever, he would consider the question, and endeavour to
,see if any practicable appeal could be suggested.
The clause was agreed to, as was clause 17.
Clauses 18, 19, and 20 were agreed to.
On clause 21,
Mr. S. HERBERT complained that the difference be-
twren the eccommodation for pasengers in health and
in sickness was not suffi.iently defined.
Atter a short conversation, the clause was agreed to,
as were clauses up to 43 inclusive.
Clause 49 was agreed to, with a verbal amendment
suggested by Mr. W. BROWN.

Uci ciause 71,
Mr. S, HERBERT suggested that "rund-ra" should
be subjected to some badge by which they might be
known to emigrants.
Sir J. PAKINGTON said that the necessary pre-
cautions had Peen takQn to ensure these persons being
known.

The clause was agreed to.
The remaining clauses of the Bill were then agreed to.
A new clause was added relaying to the licensing of
porters, and the Bel was ordered to be reported.
Toe Dreher:per-bills Bill went through Committee.
Th. Linen Manufactures (Ireland) Bid went through
Committee.
• POOR-LAW CONTINUANCE BILL.
On the order of the day fur the second reading of this
Bill being read.
Lord V. STUART said that, though he believed the
poor-law required amendment in several points, he
would not opposs the second reading of this Bill under
present circutnstances. The Government was composed
of Members who, when in opposition, were active op-
ponents of the p- or-law, and he hoped they had only
proposed this Bill in order to obtain time to amend the
whole system. He, however, did not think that this
Bill should continue for two years in operation, and he
gave notice that in Committee he would move an amend-
ment to limit it to the period of one year only.
Mr.'WAKLEY complained of the powers, given to
the Poor-law Commissioners, and instanced the late
case of Sr. Pancras, when the. governor of the work-
house was dismissed by the guardians and notwithstand-
ing which these Commissioners, who knew nothing
whatever of the case, have stepped forward and declared
that the representatives of the parish had no authoiity
to dismiss their officer.
Sir J. TROLLOPE said that the Commissioners had
merely demanded the reasons for the dismissal of the
governor, er that he should be reinstated in his situation.
The Bill was then read a second time.
The Poor Relief Act Continuance Bill passed through
Committee.
CORRUPT PRACTICES AT ELECTIONS BILL.
On the motion that this Bill, as amended, be con-
sidered, _ _ _

Colonel SIDTIIORPE and Mr. HUDSON were severally
opposed to going on with this Bill at such an advanced
hour of the night. _

Sir A. COCKBURN brought up two clauses for the
purpoem of their baling printed. It was proposed by
them to allow a reasonable time between the summons
and the attendance of witnesses, and to protect the
Commissioners.

Ultimately the clatisPs were ordered to be printed,
and the third reading fixed for Friday next.
Colonel SIBTLIOI-11) gave notice that be would then
move that the Bill be read a third time on that day six
months.
The House adjourned at One o'clock.