The Sun.
London, England, 1853-07-14 00:00:00

PETITIONS.

Several petitions were presented against the Education
Bill, the Savings Banks Bill, and the Registration of
Assurances Bill.

Mr, COWAN presented a petition from Edinburgh,
in favour of the inspection of nunneries • also, a petition
from Paisley, in favour of the Scotch Universities Bill.
UNIVERSITIES (SCOTLAND) BILL.

Lord ELMO moved the second reading of this bill.
Sir R. H. INGLIS contended that the measure was
neither more nor less than one to dissolve a solemn con-
tract entered into between England and Scotland at the
time of the union. He denied the truth of the alle-
gation in the preamble that the present law was
unsuited to existing circumstances in Scotland, and said
he could only attribute the bringing forward of the bill
to those who believed that whatever is is wrong ; be-
lieving that, if it passed, it would be hazardous to the
existence of the Established Church of Scotland, he
concluded by moving as an amendment that it be read
a second time this day six months.
Col. BLAIR seconded the amendment.

Lord ELCHO opposed the amendment, believing that
the bill was reasonable and just, and th• opposition to
it unreasonable and unjust. He looked upon the main-
tenance of university tests as a snare and a danger, rather
than a bulwark to the Church—a snare because it would
induce the Church to rely more upon legislative enact-
ments for its security than on its hold on the feelings
and affections of the people, and a danger because it
would embitter sectarian differences, and unite those
who were not in communion with the Church in oppo-
sition to it. He considered not only that the majority
of the people of Scotland, but also the majority of
Churchmen in that country, were in favour of the pro-
posed change. In his opinion, the bill was conceived in
the spirit of the age, for its object was to extend the
benefits of education, and to remove religious disqualifi-
cations. He felt quite confident that the measure
would receive the sanction of Parliament.
Mr. FORBES intimated that he and his friends would
not oppose the second reading, lest the Government
should in that case force the bill through the house in
its present shape and without any alteration. They did
not intend to vote at all ; but they would reserve to
themselves the right to propose certain amendments in
committee.

Sir A. CAMPBELL supported the amendment.
[LEFT SITTING.]

THE RIOT BETWEEN THE IRISH AND
THE ITALIANS.

Baldwin's-gardens, Holborn, for some days past, have
been the scene of much riot and disturbance, owing to
an ill feeling teat has arisen between the Italian re-
fugees, friends and partisans of the Padre Gavazzi, and
the Iris'', who are thickly located in the neighbourhood.
The cause of quarrel is of a politico-religious aspect, and
as such it has taken a rather serious turn. It appears
that the Italian refugees of 1848 adopted the above lo-
cality as their general rendezvous, and some time since they
became most inveterate in their dislike to the Roman
Catholic: clergy who officiate in the district, and have
carried it to the extent of attempting to assassinate an
Italian priest who had a mission there, he having been
recognised by some of them as an "aristocrat," who had
been inimical to the popular cause in Italy. The removal
of this gentleman, it was imagined, would have created
a. better understanding ; but such has not been the case,
for the Irish clergymen who have taken his place, the
Itev. Mr. Gilligan and the Rev. Mr. O'Connor, have
been on several occasions insulted by the Italians while
passing through the streets. On Sunday evening last, how-
erver, matters were brought to a fearful crisis, the Rev.
Mr. Gilligan having been assaulted in Baldwin's-gardens,
and the assailants retreating into a casA kept by an
Italian named Tresoldi. This was followed up on Mon-
day evening by an assault on the Rev. Mr. O'Connor,
who was knocked down and ill-treated by the same par-
ti,es as be was passing the cash about six o'clock in the
e vening. The Irish, who witnessed this unprovoked
o utrage, at once made an attack on the house, and broke
some of the windows, and but for the timely arrival of a
few policemen, serious damage, if not loss of life, might
hwve ensued.
During yesterday and the day before a strong body
of .olice were on continuous duty in Baldwin's-gardens,
in :.rder to prevent a recurrence of the disgraceful riots
of -.A rooday. After dark the number of men was doubled,
and persons were not allo xed to congregate near the
spot ; all groups that gn,the -ed being immediately dis-
pers.ed. This surveillance is to be continued until the
pr.asent thirst for revenge, known to exist, has somewhat
subsided. The friends of the Italians engaged in the
ow 'fiat deny that they used their knives, but declare that
tiles injuries the Irish sustained were inflicted with their
hl idgeous and fists. Several of the Irish who joined
th fray from Saffron-hill have incised wounds on the
arms and breasts. The police are also aware that the
It:Minns had their knives with them. One of the priests
is cut across the nose. The reason that none of the
Italians have been arrested is, that the injured parties
are unable to identify Vieir assai'ants, they are also
afraid of the personal consequences for the share they
took in the riot. A clue has been obtaired to the indi-
vidual whose alleged attack on one of the priests caused
the riot, and it is expected that the occurrence will be
thoroughly investigated by the district magistrates, and
inepsurpB will be taken to prevent similar outbreaks.