The Sun.
London, England, 1853-04-09 00:00:00

METROPOLITAN IMPROVEMENTS BILL.

This bill was read a second time on, the motion of
Lord GRANVILLE.

FOREIGN SEAMEN IN BRITISH SHIPS.

The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH presented a petition
from the master mariners, mates, and seamen of Hartle-
pool against any repeal of the provision of Act 12 Vic.,
restricting the Slumber of foreign seamen in British
ships. The noble earl expressed his regret at the fact
of the tonnage of this country not having increased
in the same proportion as that of foreign coun-
tries. The increase of shipping on the continent had
been of late years 66 per cent., and in this country only
21. The actual number of our seamen falls short of the
calculated returns, and short pay, which was about 9/.
per year, was hardly sufficient to supply them with ne-
cessaries. It would be highly impolitic to assist the
shipowners by reducing the rate of wages, and thereby
reduce the number of seamen. On the maintenance of
the maritime strength of this country its safety depended,
and that was a question of more importance than the in-
terest of any single mercantile class. There was no loss
which would be more fatal to the country than that of
the hearts of its brave defenders.

Lord GRANVILLE deprecated a discussion upon a
subject which would so soon, in a more tangible form,
occupy the attention of the house. A measure was now
under the consideration of the Government, but nothing
could be further from their intention than to reduce the
rate of wages to tithe seamen. It was not his opinion
that the employment of foreign seamen would injure the
English sailor. A very large number of English sailors
were at present in the American service. He must enter
a protest against the idea going forth to the country that
the Government intended to bring in any measure which
would have the effect of reducing the wages of the Eng-
lish seamen.

Lord COLCHESTER was of opinion that the em-
ployment of foreign seamen was highly prejudicial to the
English sailors.

Earl GREY could not regard the measure which the
Government were about to introduce as calculated to
reduce the wages of British sailors. There was no law
which prevented the introduction of skilled labour into
this country, aril he did not see why the maritime ser-
vice should form an exception. His belief was that the
employment of foreign seamen would not have the effect
of decreasing the rate of wages.
The Duke of ARGYLL said that it was the expecta-
tion of the Government that the measure which they
were about to introduce would have the effect of better-
ing the condition of the sailors of this country. England
was essentially a maritime country, and need not fear
free competition with any other nation.
GENERAL BOARD OF HEALTH BILL.
This bill was read a third time.

Their lordships then adjourned at, a little after six
o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS—(YESTERDAY.)
The SPEAKER took the chair at a few minutes to four
o'clock.

NEW MEMBER.
Mr. PRITCHARD took the oaths and his seat for Bridg-
north.

PRIVATE BUSINESS.

, The .Blackburn Railway and the Norfolk Estuary Bills
were read a third time and passed.

ATHLONE.

The members of the Athlone election committee were
called to the table and sworn. The committee was also
appointed to sit to-morrow at 11.
PETITIONS.

Mr. AGLIONBY presented a petition from the cor-
poration of Carlisle in favour of the reform of the crimi-
nal law ; also a petition from Cockermouth in favour of
the ocean penny postage.
Mr. ALCOCK presented a petition from East Surrey
against the Canada Clergy Reserves Bill.
Sir J. V. SHELLEY presented a petition from the
wood engravers of Westminster, praying that the Crystal
Palace might be opened on Sundays.
Captain SCOBELL presented a petition from seamen
in the port of London, against the Merchant Seamen's
Bill.

Mr. R. PALMER presented a petition from Berk-
shire, against the attorneys' certificate duty.
Mr. COBDEN presented a petition from Knaresbo-
rough complaining of the withdrawal of the petition
gainst the return for that borough, and praying that a
commission be appointed to inquire into the practices at
the last election.

Mr. Sergeant SHEE presented petition from the coun-
ties of Donegal and Kilkenny in favour of the Tenant
Right (Ireland) Bill.
Mr. C. T. CHAMBERS presented a petition from
St. Albans, in favour of National Disarmaments.
Sir R. H. INGLIS presented a petition from the
Trustees of the British Museum, praying for the annual
support of the house.
Sir J. V. SHELLEY presented a petition from West-