The Sun.
London, England, 1863-07-07 00:00:00

FORTIFICATIONS.

In reply to Lord PORTMAN,
Earl DE GREY said no sums had been placed in the
estimates for the purpose of proceeding with the fortifica-
tions in Somerset with a view to protect the British Chan-
nel. The land alone was bought ; and in the event of his
remaining in office he should see that the necessary steps
were taken for carrying out the matter, which he considered
of the highest importanceP.
OLAND.

Earl GREY gave notice that if the noble marquis (Clan-
ricarde) should not be in his place on Friday nest to pro-
ceed with the motion relative to Poland, he begged to give
notice that he should bring the subject before their lord-
ships that day week, as he thouzlit it was of the highest
importance that the house should not separate without some
further notice of the affairs of that country.
Earl RUSSELL said he would on Friday, if he coull do
so with public advantage, make a statement relative to Po-
land. If circumstances should prevent him doing so on
that occasion, he would state when he hoped to be able to
do so.
Their lordships then adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS—Last Evening.
The SPEAKEI took the chair at four o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The Lands Improvement Company Bill was read a third
time.

The Dundalk and Greenire Railway Bill was read a
second time.

LODON, CHATHAM, AND DOVER RAILWAY

COMPANY'S BILL.

This bill was read a second time.

Mr. Alderman SIDNEY then moved " That it be an
instruction to the committee on the London, Chatham, and
Dover Railway (No. 1) Bill, that they do admit the Mayor,
Aldermen, and Commons of the City of London to be heard
upon their petition with reference to the railway already
authorised in the City of London, and for the insertion of
a clause prohibiting the railway company from
carrying a viaduct over Ludgaie-hill." The hon.
member contended that the making of a viaduct
over Ludgate-hill was opposed by the corporation and
the inhabitants because it would interfere with much valu-
able property, and would constitute an unsightly
object. The company got their bill without due
consideration having been given to the enormous
interference which would be caused to property. The suc-
cess of an underground railway was problematical at the
time the objectionable powers were given, but now that
success had crowned such a venture there was no reason
why Ludgate• hill should not be crossed by a tunnel.
Mr. MASSE Y said it would be a bad principle to introduce
and shake faith in their legislation, to abnegate what had
been deliberately done by the Legislature no further back
than the last three years. (Hear, hear.) The bill before
the house merely sought some ordinary powers, and had
nothing to do with the viaduct over Ludgate-hill. He
hoped the house would reject the motion.
Sir J. SHELLEY opposed the motion.
Mr. CRAWFORD could not, though one of the City
members, support the proposition.
:Mr. LOCKE said two lord mayors gave evidence in sup-
port of the bill ; and at the time it was passed the City
hr:ld a large stake in the Metropolitan Railway.
ARRIVAL OF LORD PALIdERSTON.

Lord PALMERSTON entered the house from behind
the Speaker's chair at 25 minutes past 4 o'clock, and on
taking his seat on the Treasury bench was loudly cheered
by hon. members on both sides. The noble lord
appeared a little paler than usual, but, otherwise, in the
enjoyment of his ordinary health and spirits. The noble
lord walked a little lame, and carried two sticks.
After a few words from Mr. TITE, the motion was re-
jected without a division.
On the motion of Mr, 3IASSE'Y, the following motion
was agreed to :—" That standing orders 187, 188, and 216
be suspended, and that the committee on the bill have leave
to sit and proceed upon Friday next, and that all petitions
Praying to be heard against the said bill be deposited on or
before Thursday next."
ORANGE LODGES—PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND
Mr. MAGUIRE gave notice that on Thursday next he
should direct a question to the Under Secretary for the
Colonies in respect to the incorporation of certain Orange
lodges in this island.
PERSIA—THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.
Col. SYKES gave notice that he should on an early day
ask whether any covenant had been entered into by the
Government for the construction of this telegraph.
MILLINERS AND DRESSMAKERS.
Lord RAYNIIA3fI gave hotice that on Wednesday he
should move for leave to introduce a bill to regulate the
hours of labour of milliners and dressmakers.
HAWKERS' LICENCES.
Mr. FERRAND asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer
whether poor men or women hawking pots, house sand,
green groceries, or other articles of a like description, were
required to take out a hawker's licence ; if not, and the Ex-
cise officers had compelled any persons to do so, whether
he would give instructions for the money to be remitted.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied
that instead of wishing to place a heavy tax on these people
he had been instrumental in reducing the former impost.
People selling goods of their own manufacture were com-
pelled to take out a licence at a small cost. No complaints
of any hardship had reached him. If any cases of hardship
had occurred he should feel glad to be made acquainted
with the particulars.
BANDA AND KIRWEE PRIZE MONEY.

Sir S. NORTHCOTE asked the Secretary to the Trea-
sury whether it was true that the opinion of the law officers
had been taken on the subject of the Banda and Kirwee
prize money, and that the opinion they had given was in
favour of the preferential claim of Sir George Whitlock's
force ?

Lord PALMERSTON replied that it was the opinion of
the law officers of the Crown that no law or precedent
existed to guide the distribution of the money. Therefore
the mode in which it would be distributed rested entirely
with the discretion of the Crown. The Government had
come to a decision on the matter, and its nature would be
announced in a few days.
ALTERATION OF THE CIRCUITS.
Mr. HADFIELD asked the Attorney-General whether
he would introduce a bill for the alteration of the circuits
}afore the next assizes commenced, or at what other time
Sir G. GREY replied that he feared that such a bill
could not be carried into practice in the present session °-
Parliament.

THE INDIAN ARMY.
Mr. BEAMISH asked the Secretary of State for India
when the report of the Royal Commission on the Indian
army would be laid upon the table of the house?
Sir C. WOOD replied that the report had not yet beon
completed.