The Sun.
London, England, 1862-03-29 00:00:00

THE suN, LONDOr, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 29, 1862,

IMPERIAL PAUL t AMEN T

HOUSE OF LORDS-YESTERDAY.
The LOUD CIIANCELLOIL took his seat on the woolsack
at five o'clock.

THE REVISED CODE.
Petitions against the Revised Code were presented by the
Archbishop of York, the Earl of Malmesbury, and several
other noble peers.
PRIVATE BUSINESS,
Phillimore's Estate and the Sidmouth Railway and Har-
bour Bills were read a second time. _

The British Plate Glass, Newcastle (County Down)
Railway, and Dublin and Meath Railway Bills were read a
third time and passed.
THE EXPLOSION NEAR ROTHERHAM.

Viscount DUNGANNON rose to call the attention of
the house to the case of James Watson, Isaac 'Watson, and
Joseph Thompson, lately convicted at the York assizes for
wilfully and maliciously placing gunpowder in a nailmaker's
shop at Thorpe, near Rotherham, with the intention to
damage and destroy the same; and also for the purpose of
inquiring whether a report had been received by the
Home Secretary, and whether, under the very peculiar
nature of the case, he was disposed to recommend them as fit
and proper objects to obtain the Queen's pardon. The
noble lord, in the course of his remarks, observed upon the
peculiar circumstances attending the trial, more particu-
larly alluding to the alibi which was set up. Notwithstand-
ing the favourable summing up of the learned judge, the
jury returned a verdict of guilty, and the men were sen-
tenced to fourteen years penal servitude. The result of the
trial had given great dissatisfaction, and he wished to know
whether it was likely a pardon might be expected ?
Earl GRANVILLE said the report in the newspapers
was not accurate, as no petition had been forwarded to the
Home Office.
MUTINY BILL.
This bill was read a second time.

CHARITABLE USES ACT (1861) AMENDMENT

BILL.

This bill passed through comniittee, and was reported
without amendment.
INDIA STOCKS TRANSFEIt BILL.
This bill was read a third time and passed.

LUNACY REGULATION BILL.
This bill was read a third time and passed.

SIR JOHN SOANE'S MUSEUM BILL,
This bill was read a third time and passed.
Their lordships then adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS—YESTERDAY.
The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock.
PRIVATE BUSINESS.

The following bills were cousidered and ordered for third
reading : —Moretonhampstead and South Devon Railway,
Somerset Central and Dorset Central Railway Companies,
Spalding and Bourn Railway, and Winchester Road,
The Kensington Station and South London Junction
Railway bill was read a second time.
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH COMPANIES.

Viscount ENFIELD asked the Chairman of Ways and
Means if his attention had been called to the extraordinary
powers which aro sought, and have been sanctioned by
private bill committees, to electric telegraph companies and
others, to law down telegraphs, and erect posts and wires
along roads, streets, and footpaths in various parts of the
country : And whether he would call the attention of the
house to the case on the introduction of the United King-
dom Electric Telegraph Company Bill into this house,
should such a bill pass the other House of Parliament ?
He asked this question because he thought the electric
telegraph companies ought to be dealt with rather as public
necessaries than as mere private undertakings, in the same
way that the house had'dealt with the Tramway Bill last
session.

Mr. MASSEY said the particular bill to which the noble
lord alluded to had been before the House of Lords, and in
the event of its containing any objectionable provisions he
should draw attention to them. With reference to the
general question, there was precedent so far back as 1846
for these powers being granted. He agreed with
his noble friend that the powers were of an un-
usual kind, and ought to be watched by the house
with great vigilance. The power to deal with streets,
thoroughfares, highways, and roads, and to lay down posts
and wires along places of public resort, was a power that
ought to be lightly granted by this house. (Hear.) He
considered that legislation on the subject was necessary.

the other. We have found throughout the country during
the recess, and we have heard during the debate, a great
number of opinions against grouping by ago for the purpose
of examination. Without entering into the abstract merits
of that proposition, the Government are quite ready to con-
cede that point also, and to give up the principle of grouping
children by age. I trust the house will accept that conces-
sion also in the spirit in which it is made. (Hear, hear.)
I must state to those gentlemen who are inclined to think
that enough is not conceded, that the points given up in-
volve on the part of the public a very considerable pecu-
niaryand it is a large concession to the principle
of
I have also to state that there is a third con-
cession which the Government are willing to make, and it
i i
t
withrewi
regard to the Bth resolution proposed by the right
nacr sacrifice
anty
hon. gentleman (Mr. Walpole). That resolution refers to
the arrangements that have been entered into with regard
to the transition state which must occur between the abo-
lition of the present system of annual grants and the full
establishment of the new principle of a capitation grant.
(Hear, hear.) The Government are willing to reconsider
the manner in which the pupil teachers who are now en-
gaged have been provided for, and they are willing to pro-
pose, instead of the scheme contained in that resolution, a
scheme which, while it shall provide for holding the exist-
ing pupil teachers harmless, shall at the same time leave to
the managers any surplus that may remain after payment
of those pupil teachers—that is, if the grant falls short of
paying the pupil teachers the Government shall make good
the difference ; and if there be a surplus it is to be the pro-
property I have also to state, as has al-
ready been theiiit ag
immaantedbeyrs4 right hon. friend (Sir G. Grey),
that the Government are willing to ooncede the 10th and
11th resolutions. I can only again express a hope that the
house will receive these concessions iiiothe spirit in which
they are made. (Heal) hear.) We have done all in our
power,to meet the view.. of hon. gentlemen honestly and
sincerely, at some sacrifice of, individual conviction, and I
trust ;he house wig P''° " for a &sire to bring the
discussion of this question to a speedy and satisfactory ter-
mination. (Cheers.)
Mr. WALPOLE—Sir, I rise to acknowledge the very
i
frank and generous manner n which the Government have
endeavoured to meet the objections which were raised to
their proposition, and 1 should not discharge my duty, nor
consult my own feelings, if I did not to the utmost of my
meet those concessions in
(Hear.) The concessions
offered are in fact concessions on the point of principle, for
the spiritpower, s o
ifarn a
which
I a
they
m concerned,
are
made.
which I have strongly and stoutly contended. No doubt
myright hon. friend—as indeed is expressed in the last sea..
tence of his speech—has made those concessions with some
sacrifice of individual conviction, but I sincerely hope that
if they are carried into effect ho will find that the main ob-
ject he has in view will be attained. I will make no remark
concessionsoxcept to which the right hon.
gentleman to say that with reference
adverted, except
concession that a portion of the
tuoto
hn e thefirst particular.
point—vie.,
vo at v
ie
grant is to be horeafterdependent upon the general report of
tit on. With regard to the
the proposition that
the inspector, and not upon the average attendance, that is
sae
emouncdh—bv tz.t e
nofootinglonger
to
retainingpu
exa-
mination is to be conducted according to age—l believe it
will be entirely for the benefit of the community. As to the
pupil teachers, I eertainly did feel strongly on that point,
and I am extremely glad the concession stated by the right
hon. gentleman hai.been made.
(Hear.) The other two pro-
positions my right hon. friend the Secretary of State agreed
to assent to on the first discussion of this subject, and 1 will
not further allude to them. The only other observation I
have to make is, that I hold it to bo most important that on
a question of this kind there should be, as there has been,
no party triumph one way or the other—(cheers)—but that
we should unite in doing our utmost for the public service
and the general good of the country, (Hear.) I hope the
Government will not think I make an unreasonable propo-
sition when I suggest that instead of going into committee
with these propositions to-night, the house and the country
should have some little time to consider these propositions
deliberately ; and I believe that the granting of an interval
for that purpose will conduce to the satisfactory settlement
of the question. (Cheers.)

Lord ENFIELD also expressed a hope that time would
be given for the full consideration of the important propo-
sitions made by her Majesty's Government. He was glad
to have been the humble instrument of bringing about a
settlement of one portion of the matter in controversy,
owing to the resolution of which he had given notice. The
credit, however, was not due to him, but to a suggestion
made in the speech of a right rev, prolate in another place.
He (Lord Enfield) cordially agreed in the alteration sug-
gested by the right hon. gentleman (Mr, Lowe).
Mr. DISRAELI—I apprehend that, after the statement
made by her Majesty's Government, it is not very probable
the committee will be called on to pronounce any opinion
on the proposition just laid before them. I think myself
that her Majesty's Government have acted with great wis-
dom and propriety in deferring, as they have done, to the
unmistakeable opinions which have been expressed on
both sides of the house. It is unnecessary to assure the
Government that when an Administration dealing with a
question of such great nicety and such vast interest feel
it their duty to withdraw from any important portions of
the proposition, necessarily a very extensive and compli-
cated one, which they submitted to Parliament, there can
be no other feeling throughout the house than a desire to
give the Government credit for being actuated by the most
honourable motives. (Hear, hear.) Sir, I think the sug-
gestion of my right hon. friend (Mr. Walpole) is one of
that well deserves the attention of the house. It is not ono
of those questions with respect to which a satisfactory solu-
tion can be obtained by considering merely the opinions and
feelings of members of the House of Commons. Outside
the walls of this house, on whatever side arrayed, public
opinion is very much excited and interested in the question,
and therefore no one can doubt for a moment the propriety
—whatever may be the individual opinions of the house on
the entire subject—of acting with due caution, and avoiding
any suspicion of coming to a precipitate conclusion. After
the speech of the right hon. gentleman this must be looked
upon as a new proposition, leading to consequences very
different to those which must have resulted from the scheme
first before the house ; and it is impossible for even members
of this house to foresee at first sight all the results to which
it may probably lead. But, sir, those who are so deeply in-
terested in this question in every part of the kingdom have
a right, after the months that have passed in which their
attention has been necessarily absorbed in the consideration
of the formal proposition that was brought forward, to be
given an opportunity for a calm and full consideration of
what must really bo looked upon as a new project. (Hear.)
And therefore I trust that the suggestion of ray right hon.
friend will be acceded to by the Government and by the
house, and that sufficient time will be afforded both to the
house and to the country to consider the modified proposal
which the Government has introduced to our attention to-
night. I will take one point—not that I am anxious to enter
into any controversy of the question, but to show the com-
mittee the great importance of our not coming to a hasty
determination, which might cause great disappointment and
great disquiet in the country. Now, as to the first conces-
sion of the Government with regard to ensuring the prin-
ciple of certainty in the grants—the satisfactory nature of
that proposition must depend upon the amount at which the
contribution is fixed, and the degree of certainty which may
arise. The Government has not mado any formal proposi-
tion, and I do net wish to entrap them into any public de-
claration on the' matter, but the committee must feel that
upon the character of that amount the satisfactory nature
of the fresh proposition must greatly depend. There are
other topics which I will not touch upon now, The fourth
resolution of my right hon. friend involves very important
considerations ; but I think after the discussion that has
taker. place, and after this great, and I will say salutary,
concession—satisfactory to the house, and honourable, as I
am sure it is, to her Majesty's Government—l think ample
time should be given for its consideration. There is no
haste, now that we have arrived at this general conclusion
—no pressing necessity for deciding upon what are points
of detail, though of immense importance. If, therefore, her
Majesty's Government do not object, I would think it bet-
ter not to come to a final conclusion'npon the terms on
memberul d pr of
which the system of popular education in this country must
permanently rest until after the Easter recess. (Hear.)
Sir G. GREY—The Government have no wish to press
the house to a hasty. decision on this question. At the same
time it is very desirable it should not be kept in agitation
longerright
hon.than propose, therefore,
e University of
therefore, if the
Cambridge assents, that we should now report progress and
ask leave to sit again on next Monday gentlemaniis
week, subject to any
necessary.thel would
arrangement that may be made between the right hon. gen-
tleman and the Government in the meantime as to fixing
the day. (Hear, hear.)
After a few inaudible observations from Mr. PACKE,
Mr. HENLEY said that if the discussion came on on
Monday week that would not be a convenient day for many
members of the house. The subject to be considered was a
highly technical one, and it was now for the first time an-
nounced that there would be a change upon a change.
Very much depended on the way in which it was presented
to the house, and until they had the reprint of the measure
it was difficult to say what time should be given for the
consideration of it. Ho quite agreed with the right hon.
baronet that it was not desirable to keep the matter longer
under discussion than was absolutely necessary, but full
opportunity should be given to the classes most interested
in it to ascertain how they would be affected by the proposed
chauge, he alluded to the managers, masters, and pupil
teachers of schools. It would be impossible to define the
precise bearing of the proposal now made until it was more
specifically before the house. (Hear, hear.) He could say
for himself that he had received various memorials from
religious bodies who laboured under the same impression
as himself. Ile gave the Government the greatest credit
for having made these concessions. At the same time he
believed that under existing circumstances the Government

' were bound to do something in regard to the distribution
of the grant, which was a very important, delicate, and
difficult subject. He thought it would be almost a sin if
they were to make this a party question. (Hear, hear.)
The whole country was interested in its settlement, and ho
hoped their future discussions would be conducted without
any party feeling. (Hear, hear.)
After some discussion, it was arranged that the subject
should stand over until Monday next, when it was an-
nounced that Lord Palmerston would make a statement.
The CHAIRMAN reported progress, and the house re-
sumed.
THE MARINE MUTINY BILL AND THE WHIP-
PING BILL
me .
These bills were read a third tand passed.
Some other bills were read a first time.
The house then adjourned at a quarter to six o'clock.

AMERICA.

SOUTHAMPTON, FRIDAY EVENING.

The North German Lloyd's steam ship Bremen,
Captain Wessels, from New York on the 15th
inst., arrived off Cowes this evening, on her way
to Bremen. She brings 88 passengers and 55,000
dols. in specie, the latter for France and Bremen.
The steam ship Africa arrived at New York on
the 14th.

The papers are still engaged in discussing the
merits of the late naval engagement, and the
evacuation of Manassas by the Confederates.
President Lincoln, as commander in chief, had
issued the three following important orders :

"No. 1.

" Washington, San. 27, 1862.

" Ordered, that the 22d day of February, .186'2,
bo the day for a general movement of the land and
naval forces of the United States against the in-
surgent forces. That especially the army at and
about Fortress Monroe, the army of the Potomac,
the army of Western Virginia, the army near
Munfordsville, Kentucky, the army aad flo-
tilla at Cairo, and a naval force in the Gulf of
Mexico, be ready for a movement on that day.
That all the other forces, both land and naval, with
their respective commanders, obey existing orders
at the time, and be ready to obey additional orders
when duly given. That the heads of departments,
and especially the Secretaries of War and of the
Navy, with all the subordinates, and the General
in Chief, with all other commanders and subordi-
nates of the land and naval forces, will severally
be held to their strict and full responsibilities for
the prompt execution of this order.

" ABRAHAM LINCOLN."
No. 2.

" Washington, March 8,1862.

" Ordered,—First, That the major general com-
manding the army of the Potomac proceed forth-
with to organise that part of said army destined to
enter upon active operations, including the reserve,
but excluding the troops to be left in the fortifica-
tions about Washington, into four army corps, to
be commanded according to seniority of rank as
follows :—First corps to consist of four divisions,
and to be commanded by Major General I. M'Dowell.
Second corps to consist of three divisions, and to be
commanded by Brigadier General E. V. Sumner.
Third corps to consist of three divisions, and to be
commanded by Brigadier General S. P. Heintzel-
man. Fourth corps to consist of three divisions,
and to be commanded by Brigadier General E. L.
Reyes.

"2. That the division now commanded by the
officers above assigned to the commands of corps
shall be embraced in and form part of their respec-
tive corps.

"3. The forces left for the defence of Washing-
ton will be placed in command of Brigadier General
James S. Wadsworth, who shall also be military
governor of the district of Columbia.
"4. That this order be executed with such
promptness and dispatch as not to delay the com-
mencement of the operations already directed to be
undertaken by the army of the Potomac.
" sth. A fifth army corps, to be commanded by
Major General N. P. Banks, will be formed from
his own and,General Shieles' (late General Lander's)
division.

" ABRAHAM LINCOLN."
No. 3.

" Washington, March 11.

" Major General M'Clellan, having personally
taken the field at the head of the army of the Po-
tomac until otherwise ordered, is relieved from the
command of the other military departments, he re-
taining command of the department of the Potomac.
" Order, further, that the two departments now
under the respective commands of Generals Halleck
and Hunter, together with so much of that under
General Buell as lies west of a north and south line
indefinitely drawn through Knoxville, Tennessee,
be consolidated and designated the department of
the Mississippi ; and that until otherwise ordered
Major General Halleck have command of said de-
partment.

" Ordered, also, that the country west of the
department of the Potomac and east of the depart-
ment of the Mississippi be a military department,
to be called the Mountain Department, and that the
same be commanded by Major General Fremont.
" That all the commanders of departments, after
the receipt of this order by them respectively. re-
port severally and directly to the Secretary:of War,
and that prompt, full, and frequent reports will be
expected of all and each of them.
" ABRAHAM LINCOLN."
The New York Berold of the 13th contains the
following :
" The occupation of the deserted rebel batteries
on the Lower Potomac was effected on Monday by
several detachments of General Hooker's division.
The fortifications at Shipping Point, Evansport,
Cockpit Point, and on the Quantico creek, to within
a mile of the town of Dumfries, were taken posses-
sion of. It was evident that a large force of the
enemy had occupied all these points. Several of
the guns left behind were found loaded to the
muzzle with shot and sand bags. Fires had been
built under them, which burned the carriages, the
intention being to heat the guns so that they would
burst, and thus be lost to our troops. Three rifled
guns and one 42 pounder shell gun were destroyed,
but the heavier guns, owing to the thickness of
the breech, escaped destruction and fell into our
hands. Information was received from stragglers
that the rebels had been hastening off to Fredericks-
burgh since Sunday as fast as the railroad cars
could transport them.

"The rebel accounts of the naval conflict an-
nounce the death of Capt. Buchanan, who com-
manded the Merrimac, together with 17 men, which
occurred from the bursting of a shell thrown( by the
Cumberland on Saturday. After Buchanan fell
Catesby Ap R. Jones took command of the Merri-
mac, and conducted the fight with the Monitor.
" The important town of Winchester, Virginia, is
in our possession, being occupied by our troops at
daybreak yesterday. A portion of General Banks's
division, under General Gorman, occupied the town
of Berryville, Virginia, on Tuesday. There were
500 of the rebel cavalry in the place ; but upon the
3d New York cavalry, properly supported by artil-
lery and infantry, charging them, they fled in con-
fusion towards Winchester, During the night the
pickets of General Gorman came in contact with
portions of Colonel Ashby's rebel cavalry, and were
compelled to fall back ; but the general made a re-
connaissance in force to within two miles of Win-
chester, and charging upon the rebels dispersed
them, taking several prisoners, and killing or
wounding four of the rebels. This reconnaissance
sealed the fate of Winchester. The enemy were
blinded and mislead by the movement of our troops,
and they commenced the evacuation of the place
on Tuesday aftprnoon. General Hamilton advanced
from Bunker's-hill, the Michigan cavalry leading
the column. The rebel cavalry, 1,200 strong, and
bupported by a section of artillery, gave battle at
five o'clock on the afternoon of Tuesday. Our
cavalry were supported by the Ist Mary-
land Infantry and a battery of artillery. The
fight was a short ones The rebels fled, lowing