The Sun.
London, England, 1837-02-04 00:00:00

CRIMINAL LAW.

The Marquis of CAI4SDOW NE presented a petition from
Portsmouth, praying for a revision of the Criminal Code, and
the abolition of capital punishment in all cases except murder.
Lord BROUGHAM wished to ask the Noble Marquis a
question on this subject—namely, whether or not the Govern-
ment had come to any determination on the question of abo-
lishing the capital punishment in all cases of forgery ?
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE could not answer the
question of the Noble Lord. He had Tio opportunity of com-
municating with his colleagues on this subject, and until thee
he could not state what course the Government would follow.
Lord BROUGHAM referred to this subject, because in
a late case of forgery of a power of attorney, the capital pu-
nishment was not inflicted.
CHURCH-RATES.

The Marquis of CANMDO4 presented petitirin:.
from Dissenting congregations, praying for the total aholiflot,
of Church-rates.

THE ADDRESS.
The Marquis of CONYNGH AM presented his 'lVllajesty's
answer to the Address, which was read by the ;Thance'ler
from the Woolsack.
My Lords—l thank you for this dutiful and, toyal Address,
and I rely with confidence on your attaehme,ut to my person
and Government, and on your zeal in the public service."
PLURALITIES AND NON-RESIDENCE ECCLE-
SIASTICAL BILL.

Lord BROUGHAM begged to lay on the table a
Bill, which he alluded to yesterday, affecting the pluralities
and non-residence of the clergy. He should have laid it oe
the table yesterday, but he wished to take time to consider
whether certain clauses contained in the Bill which was brought
in on this subject about three years ago ought or ought not to be
omitted in the present Bill. One of those clauses particularly
called on the clergy to furnish an account of their residences.
He doubted for a time whether it would be proper to compel
them thus to give evidence against themselves ; but, upon the
whole, he thought it better to retain those clauses : and, ac-
cordingly, the Bill at present was exactly what it was three
year s ago. with the exception of one or two verbal alterations.
The Bill was then orde.red to lie on the table.
Lord BROUGHAM moved fOr an account of all sums of
money standing, in the name of the Accountant-General of
the Court of Chancery to the credit of any charities,
distinguishing the charities. If it should be found on en.
q'Jiry tl at th,.! ae(ounts were so kept as that the charities were
not named, but that the trt sees were merely named, then there
might be co is.iderable difficulty in complying with the terms
of this motion ; but if such a return could be made, it would
be highly expedient and useful, in reference to the Bill
which be had laid on the table yesterday. With respect to
this Bill, be should adopt a course not new in that
House, and which would tend much to the elncidation of this
subject ; v;z., have a full abstract of the clauses and provisions
f the Bill printed and circulated among their. Lordships, so
that they night have an opportunity of thoroughly understand-
ing them by the time at which he came to move the first
reading of the Bill —( Cries of " Hear.") lie would also take
the liberty of observing, that it bad been said the three Com-
missioners composing the Board, principally intended to work
this Commision, were to be Members of the louse of Com-
mons. This was a mistake, the Commissioners were to be
appointed by the Crown ; therefore the Statute of Anne would
attach upon them, so that they could be Members of the House
of Co umons, unless it was so provided by the Bill. This
was not his object, as he was desirous of keeping the Com-
mission as free of p rty spirit as possible.

The LORD CHANCELLOR did ❑ot see that there
could be any objection to the return just moved for, provided
it was practicable to obtain it; but if his Noble and Learned
Friend would postpone his motion tit' Monday, he (the Lord,
Chancellor) woul4l see the Accountant-General in the mean-
time, and ascertain in what manner the accounts referred to
had been kept.
Lord BROUGHAM had not the least objection.
Motion postponed, and the House then adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, FERRI.' LRY 3.

The SPEAKER took the Chair shortly before four o'clock.
Sir R. E. WILMOT presented a petition from Birming-
ham, praying for leave to bring in a Bill for establUin a
Ilt:W Gas- ight Company in that town,—Referred to the Pri-
vate Bill C"mmittee.

Major BE AUCL ERK presented a petition for leave to
biing in a Bill fcr a Railway in the City of London.
Mr. EWART presented a petition from Liverpool for a
Bill to form an Apothecaries Company in that town.
Sir S. W H ALLEY presented a petition from the parish of
St. Pancras for leave to bring in a Bill to improve the paving
Act of that parish.