The Sun.
London, England, 1837-05-11 00:00:00

EAST INDIA MARITIME OFFICERS' BILL.

Mr. ROBINSON, in rising to move the second reading
of this Bill, would consult equally the convenience of the
House and his own inclination, by merely stating the facts
of the case. When the East India Company's charter had
expired, an Act of Parliament was passed to give compen-
sation to such officers as had been afloat within the five
}ears preceding. Some officers who had been, without
their own desire, placed aside, had determined to apply for
their share of compensation. Their case was intrusted to
him, and on his application to the House of Commons for
a Select Committee it was granted—the officers' claims
were entertained. For these officers he now applied again
to the House of Commons, and he could assure the
House that a more meritorious body of men could not be
found.

Sir J. C. HOB HOUSE opposed the second reading.
Not only had these officers no claim, but the Hon. Mem-
ber had shown no small degree of boldness in =kin.. any
application in their favour. When the Company's charterp
ceased in 1832, it was agreed to give compensation to their
officers under certain conditions. There were evidently
two modes of determining the extent of compensation,
either by considering each case individually, or by laying
down some general rule. The last mode was determined
on, though he had reason to think that the other would
have been the more economical plan. But it was considered
that it was an invidious mode of dealing with the question,
and the other plan was selected. The rule laid down was
that which the Hon. Gentleman had stated. This rule
was agreed to by the Board of Controul, by the Court of
Directors, and by the Court of Proprietors. He thought
that Parliament having referred to the claims of those par-
ties to the Board of Controul- it ought to be left in their
hands.—(Hear, hear.)
In answer to a question by Mr. PRAED,

Sir J. HOB HOUSE said the Board of Controul offered
to the petitioners the benefit of the Poplar Fund, provided
they produced, in accordance with the established rule,
a certificate that the applicants were in distressed circum-
seances ; but the maritime officers having declined to pro-
duce the required certificate, they were, of course, excluded
from the benefit of that fund;

Mr. PRAED said that the admission just made over-
turned the whole statement made by the Right Hon.
Gentleman. He did not approve the Bill of the Hon.
Gentleman, because the House could not force the East
India Company to pay money ; but be thought the better
course would be for the Board of Controul to induce the
Court of Directors to relax the rule which required the
certificate of poverty on behalf of the aggrieved parties, and
if the Right Hon. Gentleman made a •declaration that he
would endeavour to effect this, he should have his sup-
port. If not, he should be compelled to vote for the Bill
of the Hon.. Member for Worcester, with a view, however,
to its being amended in Committee.
Mr. PEASE concurred in the recommendation of the
lion. Member for Yarmoiith, and if the proposition was ac-
ceded to, be should vote for the amendment of Coe Right
Hon. Gentleman ; but, if not., he should then vote for the
Bill of the Hon. Member for Worcester.

Mr. CLAY would also vote for the unless this as-
surance were given.
Mr V, SMITH defended the curse pursued by the
Board bf Controul, _ _ _

IYr_r. HAWES considered that, n case for compensation
hr.(' been sufficiently made out.,.
After a few words from coir J. HOBHOUSE and Mr.
ROBINSON, the Ho•:,se divided, when there appeared—
For the seec.od reading 47
Against i.; 3l
Majority
'TURNPIKE TRUSTS. BILL.

Mr. kiIICKINNON moved the Order of the Day for
the second reading of this Bill.
Lord WORSLEY would move that the Bill be read a
sax, nd time that day six months.
Mr. 111 ACKIN NON said that when he, on a former
'occasion, proposed to bring in a Bill of this nature he had a.
promise from Government, in the event of their not bring-
ing. forward a measure of their own, to render him every
assistance in their power. When, however, he applied for
the promised aid he could not procure it at the Office of
Woods and Forests. The question between Hon. Gen-
tlemen opposite and himself was, whether the gentlemen of
England and the people of England should manage their
own affairs, or whether those affairs should be handed over
to a Board of Commissioners, appointed by his Majesty's
Government.
Mr. F. MAULE opposed the Bill.
After an observation from Mr. BAIN ES, in which
, he declared his determination to oppose the Bill in every

stage, .
Mr. A. TREVOR expressed his intention of support-

ing it.
After a few words from Mr. Jervis, Captain Parry, Mr.
Hawes, Mr. C. Flynn, Mr. Goulhurn, and Mr. Hume,
Mr. MACKINNON should withdraw the Bill, with
the understanding that he should aF;ain propose it in an
amended form.
The Bill was then, with the consent of the House with-
drawn.