The Sun.
London, England, 1838-02-24 00:00:00

BELFAST.

The votes of Andrew Mills and John Robh, objected to on
the former ground, namely, insufficiency of value, were struck
off by the Committee.
The vote of David Suffern, similarly objected to, was allowed.
The vote of John Dobie was under consideration, when it
was announced that the Speaker was at prayers ; and the
Committee adjourned without coming to a decision.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Folitical power by individuals, in almost all parts of the
country, infinitely more desirable than it had been here-
tofore. Both Corporations and individuals had acquired
very great influence, and there was no doubt whatever
that all that influence was exerted for exercising and acquir-
ing political power. That was a fact which passed under the
view of all, and could nct be denied. He did not impute
anything to the Noble Viscount or to any other perscn, with
respect to official influence, and influence of every other descrip-
tion. Within the last seven years, we had gone back full a cen-
tury. Upon his honour, things were not in such a state as they
were in his time, not even as they were ten years ago.
The Noble Lord said Noble Lords and Gentlemen of property
exercised their influence over their tenants in an improper
manner. He would pledge his word to the House that he
knew of no such thing. He 'mad heard a great deal of other
influence.—( Hear, hear.) He had seen a great deal of
evidence which plainly showed that priestly influence
—that the exercise of intimidation—and that riots had been
got up almost every where in a ncighbouriug country ; but as
t) an improper influence being exercised by men of pro
t.ertv, he knew of no such thing—( Cries of " Hear, hear")
—an 1, so far as his influence we nt, be would b‘sg that it
might never be used. He would be exceedingly sorry to see
the practices of other countries introduced into this country—
ho would be exceedingly concerned to find that instead of men
coming forward openly and avowing their opinions, that they
came in a sneaking manner, and gave their elective franchise
under a secret mode of voting. Happily the Constitution of
this country had been formed, not only for the protection of
individual liberty and life, but also for the protection of pro-
perty. Their Lordships were called upon to provide for the
protection of property and for the security of the Church, as
well as for the security of liberty and life.'
Lord BR OUG HAM bad always been of opinion that the
Ballot would afford but little protection to the voter in the
country, but in the towns great and undue influence was exer-
cised by the customers over shopkeepers, and the Ballot
there was wanted. What would the Noble Duke think
of a case such as the following ? In a certain great city,
not far from where their Lordships wore sitting, a cer-
tain poor but worthy tradesmen at the last election, had no
less than IG written applications from different customers all
insisting on his voting one particular way, and threatening him
with the loss of their custom if he did not do so—that man
bad strong conscientious scruples with respect to the Ecclesi-
astical Establishment, so that he was either compelled to sin
by voting against his conscience, or starve by losing the cus-
' tomeis upon whom he depended. In such cases it was that
the Ballot was essentially necessary.
Lord MELBOURNE said an impression undoubtedly pre-
vailed that there had been great undue influence at the late
election, and that it had been exercised to the greatest extent
upon the other side.
The Duke of WELLINGTON made a few observation'
in explanation, which were inaudible in the gallery.
EDUCATION.

The Bishop of SALISBURY presented a petition from
the clergy of his diocese, praying that Parliament would sanc-
tion no system of education but one founded on the principles
of the Established Church.
CUSTODY OF INSANE PERSONS BILL.

On the notion of Lord RE DE SDA L E this Bill went into
Committee.
The House resumed.
The Bill was reported with amendments, and
The House adjourned till Monday.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, Fin. 23.
The SPSAKER took the Chair at the usual hour.
NEW MEMBER.
Mr. PIGOT took the oaths and his seat for Bridgenorth.
TYNEMOUTH.

Lord CLIVE reported from the Tynemouth Election Com-
mittee that Sir C. GREY was duly elected for that borough ;
and that neither the petition nor the opposition thereto was
frivolous or vexatious. Also that seventeen persons had
been struck off the poll, as having had no right to vote.
LONDON AND CROYDON RAILWAY AMEND-
MENT BILL.

• On the motion of Captain ALSAGER, this Bill was read
a first time.
SALMON FISHERIES (IRELAND) BILL.
Colonel CONOLLY brought in the Salmon Fisheries
(Ireland) Bill, which was read a first and second time, and
ordered to be committed on the 15th March.
ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL BILL.

On the motion of Mr. SHAW LEFEVRE this Bill was
read a first time.

BRIGHTON RAILWAY.