The Sun.
London, England, 1854-06-16 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 16, 1854.

NUR. ALBERT SMITH'S MONT BLANC,
.LY including the BERNESE OBERLAND and the SIMP.LON,
TIII4 -EVENING, and Every Evening at Eight o'Clock, (excepi.
Saturday); and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Mornings, at Three.
Ss. (which can be taken at the box• office every day from 11
till 4 ; area, 25.; gallery, 13.—Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS—(YESTERDAY.)
The house met at five o'clock.
WITNESSES BILL.

GREAT GLOBE, LEICESTER-SQVARE.-SEAT
of WAR.—TURKEY in EUROPE.—LECTURES on the
Geography of Turkey in Europe and Asia, and the Baltic, and the
surrounding countries of Russia and Persia.—Open from 10 a.m. to
i 0 p.m.—Admission Is. ; schools half price.

Lord BROUGHAM, in moving the second reading
of this bill, said its object was to compel witnesses
in civil cases to attend a trial in any part of
the United Kingdom when subpcened in the or-
dinary manner. In consequence of the present
state of the law the greatest inconvenience was
felt, as in order to obtain the evidence of a wit-
ness in Scotland or Ireland, in a case tried in
England, it was necessary to issue a commission,
which involved great expense. (Hear.) A clause would
be introduced to provide for the expenses of witnesses.
The LORD CHANCELLOR expressed his approval
of the bill.

LAURENT' S CA S I N 0,11610 ARGYLE Roo
osts,
(Lessee, CuAs. C. LAIMENT, OW-110M% Flliha.M-04),
The above Rooms aro now OPEN FOR THE SEASON.
and will continue open every evening, with L AURENT'S
CELEBRATED BAND. Constantinople Quadrille, Sultan Polka,
Fair Star Waltz, and OverlanS Mail Galop, by D'Albert also, by H.
Laurent, the following Waltzes La belle Frangaise, Leonora, VW-
kins and his Dinah, Admission, la. Doors open at half-past 8.
Dancing to commence at 9 o'clock, and terminate at half-past 11.

ATTRACTIVE NOVELTIES.
ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION.
PATRON—H.R.H. PRINCE ALBERT.
Four important ILLUSTRATIONS JUST ADDED to the VIEWS
of the SEAT of WAR on the DANUBE and in the BALTIC.
The BALTIC FLEET in the DOWNS, CASTLE of KRONBERO,
Forts ALEXANDER and PETER, at KRONSTIOT, CROWN
QUAY, ST. PETERSBURGIL KALAFAT, WIDDIN, SEBAS-
TOPOL, entrance to the BLACK SEA, BATTLE of SINOPE, and
DESTRUCTION of the TURKIALI FLEET, &c., &c.
LECTURES by J. H. PEPPER, Esq on the CHEMISTRY of our
DAILY BREAD, in special relation to that made by the NEW
PROCESS, on Tuesday and Thursday, at Two o'clock; and in
the Evenings on the DECORATION of PAPER.
LECTURE by Da. BACMIOFFNER on ELECTRICITY, and the
ELECTRIC LIGHT.
Open Mornings and Evenings. Admission, is.; Schools and
Children under Ten years of age, Half-price.
•

After a few words from Lord BEOI7GRAIip it was read
a second time.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (CANADA) BILL.

The Duke of NEWCASTLE moved the second read-
ing of this bill. He said that towards the close of last
session he received a memorial from the Legislative
Council of Canada in favour of bringing the constitution
of that colony more in accordance with public feel-
ing in the colony ; and at the commencement of
the present year he received a further memorial
suggesting ,a form of bill by which the Council might be
changed from a nominative to an elected body. It then
became his duty to consider how the object of the memo-
rialists could be best carried into effect, and it occurred to
him that there were three modes—first, adopting the draft
sent from Canada ; secondly, inviting d-Parliament of
Canada to send home a bill prepared and passed by
themselves, which would require to be sanitioned by an
act of the English Parliament ; and, 3dly, by repealing
these provisions in the Act of Union with Canada, which
prevented the Legislative Council legislating for itself.
The noble duke then pointed out the objections which he
entertained to the first two courses, and intimated that
it was his intention to adopt the third, and to delegate to
the Canadian Parliament the right of legislating in regard
to its constitution, subject of course to the confirmation of
the Crown—in short, simply to remove the hin-
drances which now existed to local legislation.
(Hear, hear.) This was the only object of, the
present bill,- and it was entirely in accordance with the
soundest principles of colonial legislation. The bill
would remove useless and inconvenient restrictions,
which had given the colony a just ground of
complaint, and he hoped their lordships would agree to
the second reading.
Earl DESART thought the bill would give a dan-
gerous power to the Legislative Council, and expressed
a hope that so important a measure would be postponed,
in order to enable Earl Derby and other peers on his
side of the house to express their opinions upon it.
After some observations from Lord WHMtNCLIFFE,
Lord ELLENBOROUGH thought we had gone so
far in concession to Canada that the question now was,
whether we ought not to sever the connexion between
that colony and the mother country entirely, and thus
get rid of a responsibility from which very little ad-
vantage was derived in time of peace, while great harm
might arise from it in the event of war. He thought it
incumbent on the Government to ascertain the opinion
of leading personages in the colony on this question with
as little delay as possible.
The Duke of NEWCASTLE expressed his astonish-
ment that any one in Lord, Ellenborough's position
should have expressed doctrines which were as unpa-
latable to the colonists as they were to their lordships'
house. For his own part, he would never belong to a
Government which was a party to the separation of the
colonies from the mother country, for he regarded such
a step as hostile to the best interests of the colonies, and
as an offence against the Sovereignty of the Crown.
After some further discussion, in which Lords Malmes-
bury, Brougham, and Harrowby took part,
The Duke of NEWCASTLE replied that the bill was
simply, an enabling bill, and there was nothing in it to
prevent the local Legislature from so constituting the
Upper Chamber as that it should have an existence
either permanent (the members sitting during life), or
for a definite number of years.
The bill was then read a second time.
HIGH TREASON (IRELAND) BILL.
VACCINATION ACT AMENDMENT BILL.
This bill passed through committee.
EXCISE DUTIES BILL.
This bill was read a second time, and ordered to be
committed.

STEAM TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.
In compliance with numerous applications from persons de-
siring to proceed to the Cape of Good Hope, the Directors of the
General Screw Steam Shipping Company have determined to de-
spatch their Steam ship "CAPE OF GOOD HOPE to TABLE
BAY, on the 7th of July next. The " Cape of tiood Hope," EL D.
3ENsOx. Commander, has just returned from a most successful
voyage to Constantinople with passengers and general cargo, is 700
-ons burthen, and 100 horse-power Built by Messrs. Mare & Co.,
Blackwall, and an extremely fast ship. Her accommodations for
passengers are little if at all inferior to this Company's first-class
steam ships so well known o,e the Cape and Calcutta line. The rates
of passage money are,—uirst Class, 60 and 65 Guineas each; Seccind
Class 35 to 45 Guineas each. The ship will load and sail from South-
amntnn As her capacity for passengers and freight is limited, early
application should be made to the Company's Oftlces, 27, Cannon-
street, City.

'THE MAIL STEAM-SHIP for AUSTRALIA,
August 4, IBs4.—The magnliceat screw steam-ship " AL-
CUT CA," 1,803 tons, Captain J. GooDALL, another of the fine fleet
belonging to the general Screw Steam Shipping Comptny. will be
despatched with her Majesy • Mails for Adelaide, Port-Philip, and
•Iydn,y, on the 4AI August next. This fine vessel has maintained
heT high reputation for rapid sa ling awl punctuality, and is a sister
ship to t e " Argo," which has made the quickest v yage to and from
Australia up to this time. The Calcutta has been employed carrying
the Mails to and from England and Calcutta, awl from her superior
sailing and steaming qualities, it may be fairly assumed that she will
make the run in 60 dtys. Ra'es of Passage trom 30 to 100 guineas.
She will be folt.,wed, on the 4•11 of October, by the acksus, of 2,500
tons. Full particulars as to Freight and Passage Money at the Com-
pany's Offices, .7 Cannon-street, City.

BARON LIEBIG on ALLSOPP'S PALE
ALE.—" I am myself an admirer of this beverage, and my
ow . experience enables me to recommend it, in accordance with
the opinion of the most eminent English physicians, as a very agree-
able and efficient tonic, and as a general beverage, both for the
invalid anal the robust.—Giessen, May 6.
ALLSOPP'S PALE ALE ONLY is BOTTLED by PARKER and
TWINING, Beer Merchants, 5%, PALL-MALL.
INIPEREAL MEASURE. - Quarts, Bs.; Pints, 55.; Half-pinta
(for luncheon), 3s. per dozen, Also in Casks of 16 gallons and
upwards.

BISHOPRIC OF SYDNEY.
In answer to a question from Lord REDESDALE.
The Duke of NEWCASTLE entered into an expla,na-
,,on of the circumstances from which delay had occurred
.n the appointment of a successor to the late Bishop of
Sydney, who died in England on the 20th of February,
1853. He had himself recommended the translation of
Bishop Selwyn, of New Zealand, but the Bishop only a
few days ago declined to accept the appointment. Under
thesa_circumstances,-. he anticipated that a clergyman
resident in the colony vrould.bs- promotid*Pas yasiA,P
metropolitan see.
Lord REDESDALE was understood to express him-
self satisfied with the explanation.
Their lordships adjourned at eight o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS—{YESTERDAY.)
The SPEAKER took the chair at 4 o'clock.
NEW MEMBER.
Lord J. RUSSELL took the oaths and his seat on his
re-election for the city of London. The noble lord, who
was received with loud cheers, was introduced by Sir C.
Wood and Lord Harry Vane,

PRIVATE BUSINESS.
The Lords' Amendments to the following bills were con-
sidered and agreed to :—Accrington Gas and Waterworks ;
Doncaster Cemetery ; Havering, Dagenham, Sic. Sewers.
The Caledonian Railway (Wishaw and Coltneas line) Bill
was read a third time and passed.
Mr. GE A CH moved that the Sydenham andFarnborough
Railway Bill be recommitted to the former committee,
with leave to sit and proceed on Monday next.
Mr. JACKSON seconded the motion.
Mr. JAMES MACGREGOR defended the course taken
by the South Eastern Railway Company in this matter.
Lord H. VANE supported the motion for the recom-
mittal of the bill.
After a few words from Mr. RICH,
The motion was agreed to.
Mr. GEACH then moved that the West Loudon and
Crystal Palace Railway (Bromley and Farnborough) Bill
be recommitted to the former committee, with leave to sit
and proceed on Monday next.
The motion was agreed to.
PETITIONS.
Petitions were presented by Mr. JAB. M'GREGOR, from
Leeds, praying for closing public houses on Sundays; by
Mr. ROEBUCK, from Sheffield, praying the house to take
measures to assist Poland in regaining her nationality;
by Mr. VERNON SMITH, from the town council of
Northampton, praying the house not to allow any
interference with municipal corporations or their police ;
by Lord HOTHAM, from Driffield, against the sale of in-
toxicating liquors on Sundays ; by Mr. BRIGHT, from two
poor men, parishioners of Ringmoor, in the county of
Southampton, and that for non-payment of church rates,
and kept imprisoned for 19 hours without food, that
next morning they were sent to Winchester gaol and
treated as common felons—the sums being ls. 9d. and ls.
10l 1. demanded of them, and that they were only liberated
by public subscription. The petitioners prayed for inquiry
into the matter.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY BILL.
The house then went into committee on the new Oxford
University bill.
Clause 1 was agreed to.

On clause 2, -
Mr. E. DENISON called upon the noble lord the Presi-
dent of the Council to disclose the names of the persons
who were to be appointed commissioners under the bill.
Lord J. RUSSELL sail, in addition to those already
mentioned in th. former bill, it was proposed to appoint
two other commissioners. Two gentlemen had been re-
quested to undertake the office, but their answers had not
yet been received : and he could not, therefore, give
their names. Ho proposed to add their names to the
bill in bringing up the report.
Mr. HENLEY asked if the number of the commissioners
was to be limited.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied in
the affirmative, and the limitations would rest with the
house.
Mr. WALPOLE thought there was every prospect of
this bill passing into a law this sesision, as, in its amended
shape, it was merely an enabling shill.
Mr. HORSFALL remarked that this was not the bill of
the Government, but the amendment bill of the right hon.
gentleman opposite. There was, perhaps, no necessity for
discussing the clauses which were disposed of by the for-
mer bill, bet at the same time he felt that it would have
been much better to have had a compulsory than an
enabling bill. This bill, as altered, was an entirely differ-
ent measure to that which he consented to on the second
reading.
Sir W. HEATHCOTE insisted that many of the clauses
of the bill were of a compulsory character, but, at the
same time, as amended, he thought the bill would be much
more acceptable to the University than the bill first intro-
duced.
The clause was then agreed to, as were clauses from.
three to twenty-nine both inclusive without discussion. -
On clause 30,
Mr. MOWBRAY suggested that as the university would
not have sufficient experience of the working of new halls
by Michaelmas, -1855, so as to form statutes for them, there
should be an extension of the time.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that
there was no need of that, for undey clause 38 the univer-
sity would have the power of making alterations in any
statute.
Mr. HEYWOOD proposed to strike out the words " in-
struction and." from the clause. The effect of the omission
of these words would be to leave the students to select
their own tutors, and to prepare for examination in the
best way they could. At present the university knew no-
thing of what was done in the halls, and thirty per cent.
of those who came up for their decrees failed—principally
in divinity and Latin compositi▪
on.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER heard the
amendnient with surprise, and hoped it would not be per-
severed in. In a place of instruction, whatever else they
might control, he should have thought that they ought at
least to control instruction. It would be absurd to allow
persons to be matriculated and
entered as members of a
university over whose instructi▪
on it had no control what-
ever.
After a few words from Mr. PHILLIMORE and Mr. PEL-
LATT, the amendment was withdrawn.
Mr. HENLEY wished to know what was the meaning
of the term " great halls."
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the

[PRICE SD.

meaning of the Government to be conveyed in this clause
should be rendered as clear and distinct as possible.
Mr. L. WIGRAM had apprehended that the words as
they stood would bind the colleges to have reference only
to-personal merit and fitness ; now, what he wanted to do
was to give them power to retain or abolish local prefer-
ences.
Lord R. CECIL 'said if he rightly understood the ex-
planation of the Solicitor-General, local preferences would
still go for nothing.
Mr. MALINS insisted, then, that if these collateral
qualifications were to be abolished, some words ought to
be inserted in the clause to convey that meaning, such as
these, " according to personal merit and fitness, and the
main designs of the founders,"
Mr. E. DENISON entreated the Government to abide
by the clause as it stood in the bill.
Mr. WALPOLE criticised the words "according to,"
which he contended meant "in proportion to," and that
being so, he did not think local preferences would be suf-
ficiently respected.
After a conversation, a division was called for, and the
members were summoned in the usual way. Crowds
poured into the house, and they were much amused by
hearing Mr. Bouverie announce as the subject of the divi-
sion about to take place, that it was proposed to omit the
word " according " in order to substitute the words " with

terms had reference to a scheme which one or two mem-
bers of the university thought likely to prove very useful,
that of uniting private halls together.
Lord SEYMOUR thought the word " great" had better
be left out, as it did not add anything to the simple word
" hall."
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the
"great halls" would be an aggregation of the private
halls.
Mr. HENLEY said that while power was given to unite
these bodies, no power was given to separate them. It
would appear as though it were intended to unite them in
perpetuity. •
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said the clause clearly
fixed the condition on which the aggregation and its con-
tinuance depended.
Clause 30, with verbal amendments, was then agreed to.
On clause 31.
Sir W. HEATHCOTE said there were two or three re-
spects in which this clause appeared to him to require
amendment. For instance, as the clause stood, he thought
it would still be open to the commissioners to deal with
the preferences as they thought proper, and they might do
away with them. Again, as regarded the right of appeal
to the Privy Council, he thought the clause was too vague.
The Privy Council would hardly know what to do when
applicants came before them. The first alteration which
he would propose was to omit " it is expedient to enable,"
and to insert" the interests of religiose and learning, and
the main designs of founders and donors would in many
cases be advanced by enabling." •
The CHANCELLOR of the EtCHEQUER thought
the adoption of the amendment would lead to consider-
able confusion in the adjustment of the rest of the sen-
tence. There were one or two changes which he himself
proposed to make in the clause. As regard the word
merits," he did not wish now to insist that iri no case
should a college emolument be obtained except through the
test of an examination. He did not mean to say that the
Government had receded from the views which they had
expressed on that subject ; but in the bill as it originally
stood there were provisions for cases in which other con-
siderations than personal merit were taken into account.
He should be alarmed at the adoption of the words of his
hon. friend ; for if they were inserted, merits, though form-
ing ever so small an element, would not be admitted. He
thought it would be best to introduce the word " fitness,"
which constantly occurred in the college statutes. Two
other changes were contemplated, to which he did not anti-
cipate any objection. It had been pointed out that the
enabling powers did not distinctly include a power of in-
troducing into the statutes provisions under which amend-
ments might be made ; and he therefore proposed to insert
certain words to remedy that defect. Lastly, this clause
gave power to override the statutes of. the college ; he pro-
posed that there should bo power to override all docu-
ments.
Mr. L. WIGRAM supported the amendment.
The committee divided—
For Sir W. Heathcote's amendment
Against 9l-14
Mr. WALPOLE proposed in the same clause, after the
word colleges to insert with the consent of the visitors."
He trusted that the Government would consent to, this
amendment, as otherwise there was no party to stand in
the place of the founders upon the question of any altera-
tion in the college statutes.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER was sorry
he could not fall in with the proposition of his right hon.
friend. It really amounted to this that the visitors should
be invested with a vote enabling them to undo what was
proposed to be done by the bill. ear.) Thus Parliament
could have planned a difficult and intricate machinery, all
of which might at one moment be stopped by the caprice of
one individual. And again, he would ask who were the
visitors? He believed them to be men, generally speaking,
of eminence and position; but their connexion with the
colleges was of so exceptional a character that he did not
think they were altogether fitted to give a decided opinion
upon questions as-to improvements or alterations in the
statutes of any college. Take, for instance, the case of the
Bishop of Winchester,---ft man who could bring a good
judgment and high principle to any question which might
come before him. The right rev. prelate was the visitor
of a college, and he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) did
not suppose that his lordship had been thrice referred to
in this capacity of visitor since he stood in that position.
Under such circumstances he did not think it right to give
the visitor a final and overruling judgment upon so
momentous a question.
Mr. WALPOLE did not think the right hon. gentleman
took a proper view of the position of visitors. He (Mr.
Walpole) considered the visitor to stand in the position of
a trustee for those institutions which wore connected with
colleges. Thus in all questions concerning schools, unless
the visitor had the right ho proposed to give him, there
would be no one to represent the interest of the schools,
end thus alterations in the statutes, of a very disadvan-
tageous character, might be made without any one to pro-
test against them.
Mr. NEWDEG-ATE thought that the Chancellor of the
Exchequer reduced the visitors to mere ornaments. The
committee might depend upon it that the founders ia
naming them, meant that they should stand in a different
position.
Mr. R. PHILLIMORE held a middle course between
the right hon. gentleman opposite (Mr. Walpole) and the
Chancellor of the Exchequer. He thought that an abso-
lute veto was too much power for a visitor to have, and at
the same he thought he ought to have some voice in the
matter of the alteration of statutes. He would suggest
that it should he enacted that colleges ought to take coun-
sel with their visitors before any alteration being made.
Sir W. HEATHCOTE doubted whether the suggestion
of the hon. gentleman (Mr. R. Palmer) would lead to any
.practical whatever. . It was no use declaring that the
•• a .1 *impel they
*ere sterdisregard the' viiiteisf aciefere. "(Mar.>,
He thought it would be better to give the visitors a right
of appeal to the Privy Council against alteration in the
statutes which they might deem improper.
Mr. G. VERNON was decidedly opposed to giving the
visitor a veto ; at the same time, he thought it was only
proper that the visitor should have some voice in the
matter.
Mr. HENLEY complained that the clause contained
no safeguard that the will of the founder should be fol-
lowed in the smallest manner.
Lord J. RUSSELL said that it did not appear to him
that the appointment of visitors was made at all with a view
to such an enactment as was now under consideration.
The founder appointed a visitor with a view to the keep-
ing in force of the statutes which were imposed by him
upon the college. Now, it might happen very well that a
person of eminence and position was fit to see that these
statutes were observed, but it by no means followed that
such a party was the one who should be selected to have a
veto against those alterations and improvements which
Parliament might think desirable. Their time and their
attention might be taken up too much with the other
duties to enable them to enter upon such a task. With
regard to the suggestion of the hon. baronet (Sir W. Heath-
cote) of giving a right of appeal to the visitor, he (Lord J.
Russell) thought that was very reasonable in its nature,
and he thought, when the proper part of the bill came be-
fore the committee, that the Government would not object
to some such proviso.
Mr. PHINN thought that this was one of the objections
which must arise in the endeavour to apply a general enact-
ment to the varying statutes of different colleges. He
could not but think himself that if former visitors had ful-
filled their duty, there would have been no need of this
enactment. He thought this neglect of duty was the rea-
son of the present state of Magdalen and All Souls.
The amendment of Mr. Walpole was then negatived
without a division.
Sir W. HEATHCOTE moved to alter the words "to
insure the same (i. e. college emoluments) being conferred
according to personal merits," into "to prevent the same
from being conferred without reference to personal merits.
He thought the wording of the clause as it stood was too
loose and not in accordance with what ho understood to be
the real view of the Government upon this question.
Mr. R. PALMER considered this clause as it stood was
against the principle on which the bill was originally
framed. He had thought that in some circumstances it
was intended to hold sacred the preferences expressed in
the will of the founder so far as regarded a preference
being given, other things being equal to the inhabitants of
certain districts. The affirmative character of the pro-
posed enactment made it absolutely requisite to be guided
by personal merit only. (Hear.)
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the
learned gentleman would best understand the introduction
of the words as they stood in the clause by a consideration
of the principle of the bill itself. The best course would
be to combine together the word " merits" with the word.
" finess,' which was the simple English translation of the
standard now recognised by the statutes.
Mr. HE Y WOOD thought the clause was exceedingly
good as it stood. He did net see any great advantage in
having the word " fitness" ; the term " personal merits"
would be quite sufficient.
Mr. J. G. PHILLIMORE remarked that if the object of
the Government waste abolish the existing standards, they
ought to use words that would distinctly convey that
meaning. On the other hand, if they did not, let them
put in words which should show clearly that they did not
intend to exclude considerations arising out of birth or
particular schools, and then there would" be no ambiguity
about the matter.
Mr. CARR suggested the insertion of the word "both,"
which would make the line run thus : " both according to
personal merits and fitness."
Mr. HENLEY believed the words as they stood would
not exclude any claim to preference.
Mr. ROUNDELL PALMER moved to leave out the
word " according," in order to insert the words " with a
duo regard."
'The SOLICITOR-GENERAL reminded the committee
that the words of the clause had been chosen in conformity
with the preamble of the bill, which would enable the col-
leges to retain the preferences when the school, or institu-
tion, or body enjoying the preference could present a suffi-
cient number of properly qualified candidates for the
scholarships.
Mr. L. WIGRAM objected that the words, as they thzn
stood, would enable the colleges to abolish preferences which
he, for one, wanted to avoid. The candidate entitled to
preference might be perfectly fit for the scholarship, but
the working of the clause would enable the college to take
-the best candidate without reference to preference at all.
For instance, in one of the colleges there was a Welch
foundation now devoted exclusively to Welchmen ; but ac-
cording to this clause tho college would have to select the
most fit candidate that might offer himself, without re-
ference to the part of the country he came from.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it
would appear as if the hon. and learned gentleman wanted
to saddle upon Oxford restrictions which the sister univer-
sity hail almost entirely abolished. The hon.
eamrtl.learg
her-
gentleman would give Oxford no power of lib
self from the restrictions of the statutes, but the berating
of the hon. and learned gentleman went to the whole rolot
of the bill in its present form. The hon. and learned gent o-
men says he would give no power that could possibly be
abused • but to accomplish that endithey must throw over
this enabling bill, and revert to the original compulsory
measure.
Sir W. HEA.THCOTE explained that the intention of
the amendment was to give the colleges, and the commis-
sioners power to deal with preferences. if they so thought
fit ; and he confessed be thought that discretion ought to be
left to them, subject, of course, to the guards against an
abuse of the power which other parts °Nile bill provided.
Mr. H. VERNON bad no fear whatever of the power
being abused. What he complained of was that the bill
did not give sufficient powers; but at the same time the

subject, seeing that for several nights in succession the UM*.
was crowded with petitions from almost all the great towns
and all the dissenting congregations, praying for academiewl
reforms. The reason was that no mention was made in ally
clause of the admission of Dissenters to the university. He
did not wonder that the mass of the people had troubled
themselves very little about the fate of a measure which
overlooked that great middle class on whom liberal govere-
mints hail been accustomed to rely. The Chancellor of the
Exchequer had bor.sted of the success of his conciliation;
but he must have discovered that he had conciliated away
all the support behind his back [referring to the seats
usually occupied by Dissenting members] on which he
might otherwise have depended. The failure of the Go-
vernment was manifestly attributable, not so much to the
presence of opposition as to the absence of support. Every
enactment making an improvement or abolishing an enact-
ment had been got rid of ; and the result was that the col•
legos were to be left to reform themselves. He would not
waste the time of the house by showing that this was a
permissive measure. What earthly pretence was there ibr
conceding to these colleges that which never had been, eh&
never ought to be, conceded to any corporation in England. ?
And yet they had had some experience of corpcFation
form. In 1835 they passed a bill to reform municipal cor•
porations; and he should like to know what the noble loi4
.would have said if .Sir Charles Wetherell had proposed that
Bristol, or Liverpool, or Hull, should reform themselves?
One reason why this particular corporation should not be
indulged with this extravagant confidence was that the
authorities of the various colleges had informed them in
the most pointed terms that they intended to make no use
of it. At the close of last year the noble lord (Lord Pal-
merston) addressed a letter to the college authorities re•
questing to know what steps they were prepared to take
in furtherance of this reform, and he believed, with the
exception of four, they declared their determination to
have nothing to do with this measure. And yet to those
same college authorities they were going to entrust this
permissive reform. His main reason for objecting to this
clause was its certain tendency to entail at no distant time
the necessity of further parliamentary
interference.

due regard." Sir T. D aCLAND said though hiliad divided on event
The committee then divided—
-41 amendment agaiust the Government ; he saw no object
For the amendment to this clause if it were taken in connexion with somelbah
Against it 63-22 followed it.
Mr. HEYWOOD then moved another amendment on the The clause was then agreed to.
same clause, to leave out the words "for promoting the On clause 32,
main designs of the founders." It would be difficult to Mr. E. E DENISON said he would make an appeal to the
state in law what were the designs of the founders of the mercy of Lord John Russell, who had made arrangements
nineteen colleges; some of them wished to have their souls :with Inin. gentlemen opposite as to the bill, and he asked
prayed for, and others denounced Protestant doctrines as a him to make some
alteration in this clause, which provided
heresy. (Laughter.) The strict definition of a college was that two-thirds of the governing
still have the '
the fellows were
better if -
body of the colleges should
was mistaken in assuming that he conld in any way take
prohibited from marrying. It would be much Lord J. RUSSELL said he thotight the hon. member
the colleges altered their statutes, so as to bring
hopedthem into
the bill and dispose of it an the
harmony with modern ideas; aWay which his hon. friend
t all events, he the
commissioners to he appointed under this act would do S - assumed that he could. In fact the alterations, as the
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated, were in their opinion
main designs of the founders, in their largest sense, were for the worse, and they were alterations which they had
the promotion of religion and learning; but when they thought it necessary to make in consequence of the votes
came to inquire what were their specific or principal ob' of the majority of the house. He had no hesitation in say-
jecas, they were involved in great difficulty. On this ground ing that if the provisions of the original bill had been sup.
he had resisted a former amendment of his hon. colleague ; ported by a majority in this house as they went on clause
but he thought, retaining this meaning of the words, that by clause, that he should not have despaired of carrying
their main design was to promote religion and learning„ the original bill with all its clauses; but when it was o bvi.
the commissioners would not have much difficulty in their sus that the bill was changed in many particular', and that
construction. In Corpus Christi College the design of the in oonsequence the Hebdomadal Council and the congrega.
founder evidently contemplated all kinds of learning ; in tion could not have the peculiar character and powers they
Brazenose, the statutes contemplated chiefly theological had proposed to give them, they considered whether they
learning. But when the commissioners had these statutes should give up the bill altogether, or whether they should
before them they would be able to reconcile them in a make it such a measure as would be likely to pass through
general scheme. Therefore, upon the whole, it might be Parliament. Upon consideration they came to the conclu-
! advantageous to retain the words in the clause which the sion that it was better to make the alterations, with a view,
hen. member proposed to omit. His object seemed to be not certainly of improving the bill, but of making' very
to create a kind of dead level upon which any kind of study considerable amendments in the constitution of the Ude
might be raised ; but neither the colleges, the commis- versity of Oxford. He certainly was not one of those who
1 sioners, nor the house would consent to such a measure. would say, " Either carry out your principles to their full
Mr. J. G. PHILLIMORE advocated the system of pre- extent have a measure that shall contain everything that'
ferences to districts, and quoted instances, amongst them you think desirable to be done, or else have nothing.' He
that of the two Scotts, Lord Eldon, and Lord Stowell, had never acted upon that principle, and he certainly had,
of its advantages. Were these preferences abolished, pee- found that by proposing measures from time to time,'of
pie would hesitate before leaving their property for chit- which the tendency and effects were beneficial, more ex-
ritable and learned uses. If the house was led away by tensive reforms were accelerated, arid not restricted by
the mechanical sciolists of the present day, they would do that course. With regard to the present clause, his hon-
infinite damage to the universities and society at large. ourable friend asked him whether he would change the
After a few words from Mr. HEYWOOD, latter end of it, by which two-thirds of the governing
The committee divided— body were enabled in a manner that was specified to
For the amendment
Against
Mr. MA.LINS said it was of the greatest importance to of the bill would be entirely defeated if they did not leave
keep in view the main designs of the founders so that the the clause in that respect as it was. It allowed two.
foundations which they instituted should not be applied to thirds of the governing body to prevent, not the action
objects different from what they intended. He aid not of Parliaments but the action of the commission. He
understand that the Government had any other object, thought it a disadvantage if, instead of settling the whole,
but as there was great difficulty in understanding what estion of university reform in the present session, and
they did moan ho proposed to omit from the clause the hereby allowing the question of the University of Oxford
words, "to make ordinances for promoting," so that the to be set at rest, they should find that several of the col,
clause would thed run thus, "to ensure the same being leges opposed useful reform. It would then be again a
conferred according to personal merit and the main designs question for. Parliament whether by compulsory enact..
of the founders." ' ment they should not enforce those useful reforms. His
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that lion. friend in reading the passage left out some material;
the amendment of the hon. And learned gentleman cut at words. Thu words were that "if two-thirds of the O.
g ,
the object he professed to have in view, because it provided verning body of the said colleges shall, by writing under
that the main object of the founders was to be kept in their hand and seal, declare that in their opinion the ordi.
view with regard to personal fitness, and make no provision minces and regulations will be prejudicial to the said col-
for that purpose with regard to any other matters. The lege as a place for learning and for education." Therefore
clause as it stood ranged over all matters, two-thirds of the governing body of the colleges were ob-
Mr. NEWDEGATE asked why the same latitude should
heed to say that in their opinion the ordinances were pre-
not be given with regard to particular schools and local
judicial to the college as a place for learning and for edit-
preferences which was given iu the case of personal merit. cation. Now, he thought if they were ordinances making
Mr. WIGRAM said the fear on his side of the house was reforms that were obviously useful—for learning and edue
that the clause would have the effect of giving separate and cation, it would be difficult to find two-thirds of the go-
distinct powers to the colleges, and that they would not be verning body to declare in writing that they were not use-
bound to carry out the main design of the founders. If ful for this purpose. The hon. member for Newcastle re-
words were introduced at the end of the clause, declaring ferred to another question on which they should have a
that the ordinances were to be consistent with the main debate at some future time, and he should leave it until
designs of the founder, it would meet the view on his then ' • but he thought the hon. member totally miaunder-
side of the house. If these foundations were made to de- stood. He had stated the facts several times, but the hon.
pond on an act of Parliament, and not on the wills of the gentleman did not understand. (A laugh.) In 1850 his
founders, it would be asked afterwards why might not hon. friend the member for North Lancashire (Mr. Hey.
Parliament devote them to other purposes. (Hear.) wood) proposed a commission of inquiry into the Univer-
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER amid the sity. It was then a question which was under the
effect of such words would be to negative the vote to consideration of the cabinet, and had been under the con-
which the committee had just come, and to override the sideration of some of its members two years previously. '
whole construction of the clause. The hon. and learned Wheu the matter was then proposed. by his hon. friend,
gentleman laid down broad prvasitions on this subject lie (Lord J. Russell) stated that a commission would he
which were wholly untenable. The hon. and learned gen- issued, but lie stated at the same time that he thought the
tleman said that the whole property of these foundations question of the admission of Dissenters to the University
was enjoyed under the sanction of the founders' bequests. should be kept a question apart, and that that questiee.
Hero was a case with regard to the foundation of All would nut be submitted to the consideration of the corn•
Souls, the founder of which endeavoured, by every pro- mission. Therefore, it was in consequence of no proposal
vision that the wit of man could suggest,, to tie up the of his right hon. friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
hands of all officers, from the visitor downwirde, from nor of any desire to fall in with his views, but in cones-
doing or prescribing anything varying from the letter of quenee of an opinion formed previously to and declared in
the statutes ; yet he found an Archbishop of Canterbury 1850, that he (Lord J. Russell) thought that the two quell.
ordering that whereas certain members of the college who tions ought to be kept entirely distinct. (Hear, hear.)
were abroad with the king were deprived of their einolu- Ile was at this moment as convinced as he was in 1850 of
moots by reason of certain ordinances, these ordinances of the propriety of-that deoision. He was quite sure that
should be so construed that those who were abroad in the if the Government had proposed a bill with the most ma-
kings immediate service should not be prejudiced thereby, tined and well considered provisions for the improvement
but were to be taken as present in the college. (Laugh- of the course of study at Oxford, and had put into that
ter.) He could find a hundred of such proceedings, and bill a clause for the admission of Protestant and Roman
yet the hon. and learned gentleman says that they should Catholic Dissenters, and also other persons differing from
not interfere. (Hear, hear.) the Church of England, that the attention of the house
Lord CECIL begged to observe, as a member of All and of the country would have been turned to that pro-
Souls, that if the right hon. gentleman, instead of looking vision, and that the whole discussion would have turned
to the text of the college statutes, had looked to the charter upon that question, the provisions with regard to study
issued by Henry IV., he would see that the regulations being entirely neglected in a matter of so much greatertn-
issued by every succeeding archbishop were to have the Wrest. (Hear.) It seemed to him that the two questions
same power as if they were issued by Archbishop Chichely were entirely distinct, and that the question of internal
himself, the founder of the college. (Hear, hear.) reform would be more calmly and therefore better discussed
Mr. MOWBRAY thought that the alteration proposed if taken alone. He had already stated the reasons why
by the hon. and learned gentleman near him (Mr. the Government had thought it proper to alter the latter
M alins) might have the effect of weakening the clause, but part of the bill. It was indeed a question whether the
he would support the insertion of the words proposed bill should be abandoned, or whether it should be put into
by the hon. and learned member for Cambridge (Mr. the form in which it at present stood. (Hear, hear.) The
Wigram.) Government thought it better to go on with the bill, as it
Mr. HENLEY thought that due force had not been contained very considerable amendments upon the present
given to the distinction between the words "to amend constitution of the University of Oxford. With regard to
statues" and "to make ordinances." Keeping this dis• Any arrangement as to the frame of the bill, he could assure
tinction in view, it was plain that the power of altering the committee that he believed the right hon. gentleman
the statutes with regard to eligibility to headships, fellow- the member for Midhurst (Mr. Walpole) was totally =Re-
ships, and other college emoluments had reference to per- quainted with the provisions which the Government in.
sonal merit and nothing else. It seemed to him that as the tended to propose until he saw them in print. The right
clause stood regard would not be had to the main designs hon. gentleman had said that they went far to meet his
of the founders with respect to headships and fellowships, views, but the committee lied seen in the discussion and
but that the authorities would bo constrained to pay at- divisions which had taken place that the Government had
tention to the main designs of the founders as regarded not gone the length which the right hon. gentleman would
ordinances. have wished in making the bill entirely optional upon the
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, in answer University of Oxford.
to Lord Cecil, denied that the subsequent Archbishops of Mr. WALPOLE was quite ready to admit that the bill
Canterbury had ever claimed the exercise anything like an was not what he could have wished in all points, but the
equal right to make statutes with Chichely, and the fellows Government having taken the course it had he thought it
moreover swore that they would obey Chichely's statutes would have been wrong if those with whom he acted had
and none other. endeavoured to put an end to the bill because it (lid not in
Lord CECIL replied that what the fellows swore
to every particular fall in with their views. It was his wish
maintain were the statutes of the college. to see the University in all respects as complete as it could
Mr. MALINS was more at a loss than ever. He had be, and so long as power were given to. the University to
given the right hon. gentleman credit
for a fixed desire to effect necessary amendments and reforms, he did not feel
respect the "main designs of the founders," but now he justified in doing more than opposing the minor details
(the right hon. gentleman) quoted previous departures from of the bill, where he thought them objectionable with-
the statutes in order to justify further departures. He i out endeavouring to throw the measure out entirely.
thought that it was a most serious thing to encouraged Upon that principle he hail acted, and should continue
any precedent of disregarding the wishes of those believe- to act. He was decidedly of opinion that the house
lent persons who had founded institutions for the advance- had given strong proof that it was not prepared to not on
ment of religion or learning. the principle of forcing upon the university and colleges of
Mr. HEYWOOD would state whence he had derived Oxford a compulsory deviation from the designs of the,
his impression as to the respect in which founders were founders. (Hear.) He believed that the object of the
held. He had been three years at Trinity College, Cam- house was that the main designs of the founders should
bridge, but except when a clergyman Prayed for the royal not be interfered with unnecessarily, and that gifts and
and religious founder of that college (Henry VIII.), and ondowmeuts made for particular districts and for indigent
except at au annual " commendation " service, when the persons should not be put au end to by mere compulsi.
names of all the benefactors of the college were read from Believing that the bill in its present shape fell in ey it
a pulpit, he never observed that any notice was taken of those views however much it might be variedthem
thorn. But to give a more general illustration of the great on its first introduction to the house, ho gave dial
object of the founders of colleges was to secure residence; support. (Cheers.)
and yet at Cambridge in 1618, an interpretation of the Lord J. RUSSELL thought it his duty to state that it
statutes was passed by which all persons who had taken was never contemplated by the Government that endow-
their bachelors' degree were exempt from residing. merits for the purpose of enabling the poor of this country
Mr. MALINS said he would take another opportunity of to rise to stations of ei . _ _
iiiiience should be at all obstructed
raising the question, and withdrew his present amend- or interfered with by this
bill. (Hear, hear.) When laow.
that:question ' with
ever, the right hon. gentleman mixed up w..-
meat.
Lord SEYMOUR moved to omit the words, "In the following out the designs of the founders, he (Lord J. Rua-
case of some of the colleges" from line 30. He thought deli) . . thought he was mixing up two things which were en-
thatt He thoughtnothing n prove- tire! (liftmen . more could be surely
if money was to be raised for the general improve-
fair said than that the
meat of the university, it had better be done by a said main (design of the founders was to pro-
mote religion and learning, and this main design
contribution from all the colleges. be
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that it thought ought to be of course
carried out. If the house
were to consider the
was entirely out of the question to think of making such particular designs of the fodndirs, it
would be obvious that a
demand upon many of the colleges.they conk' not be carried out to the
of Christchurch. letter. Some foundations Mr. G. VERNON instanced the case
b tit already iu the Roma C
It had no doubt a great many oinolunteute, u , g
ro obtain Catholic religion, others the Protta,nt•
supplied six of the professors. n learning, a founder might have institwsw
a division. right for a certain school but
The proposal was negatived without to send boys to a college ;
~_
amendment, after the that h i
Mr. L. WIGRAII proposed an amen BC 00 having decayed, the very object of the founder
the following
word " purposes," in the 40th line, to insert
.would be actually overlooked if the letter only of his dime-
nd ordinances
So always that such regulations a tion were
words :—"regarded. Hence he thou"bt that it was the
the founders
with the main designs of
be not inconsistent
had, he ob-
er donors." The Chancellor of the Exchequer
he billthe letter of the direction of founders—(hear, bear)—and
served, stated that it was a principle of the that the with that view the • tmeasure was framed.
resent meas
should
main, designs of the founders or donors not be slis-
Mr. HENLE 1- called the attention of the Government
turbed ; and it was in order that that might be clearly to the fact that onl two mouths' notice of any change was
understood that he (Mr. Wigram) moved the amendment. to be given by they • ioners. If that notice were
commiss
On a division, the numbers were—
For the long vacation, when there
the amendment .
very inconvenient.
,
was no ono at Oxford, it would bo inconvenient.
Against it 92 Lord J. RUSSELL thought that due care should be
Majority —s taken to guard against the difficulty in practice.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL said lie proposed, after Mr. Bs PALMER remarked that this statute refused a
the word "purposes," to insert " further alteration and right of veto to any: alteration in two-thirds of the govern.
amendment of such regulations and ordinances." ing body in the University. He g
thou ht it would be better
Mr. HENLEY wished to know whether the Chancellor to alter this to two-thirds of the governing body present at
of the Exchequer would consent to fix some limited period
a mcetiug to consider the said alterations.
within which the commissioners should either approve or Mr. G. VERNON proposed to introduce the words
reject schemes submitted by the 11 He didnot
co 11e see •
" end tutors," after "governing body. He thought that
to be parties to this right of veto.
why they should not do so in three months. tutors ought
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the Sir J. J PAKINGTON thought that the committee ought
colleges-were to exercise within a definite period rho - e prero to have some inform .
ation as to what the words, " governs
gativo which was to be finalwhereas the answer of the
;
ing
he Exchequer whether he could state what the govern-
commissioners might not be final, but a remission of the
of
t bodies were.
iii T
statutes for further amendment. It was impossible to g_
he CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it was
provide for every case in an act of Parliament. difficult to define the body to which this
Mr. BLACKETT thought that was the proper time for
He did t responsible power
This was was committed. no agree in the suggestion that
discussing the principle involved in the clause.
• cter of the words " governing body" should be • in the
the first of the new clauses affecting the entire chore
and thatanother clause retained
the bill. He did not quarrel with the Government for clause,
he thoughtwhat such body was. Inmost -
cases in Oxford, except in
withdrawing some of the original clauses; for.
hth t two or three colleges, the • •
opposition whic ey me re was no difficulty in defining the
that, considering the determined
with a good grace governing body which was the ti- i 1F 11
with, they bad no alternative bat to do _seas allt. 0.-Ows. Tkt • ilt,
1 • Wh two most prominentwhere •' ' a ss-/-4*-,
on corupti sion. y cases that definition was n
what they must otherwise have done
enthusiasm had been satisfactory were Christ Church and Brazenose the goltrie., ~,;
was it, however, that so little popular
~ •
of educational reform ?yenning body in Christ Church being the dean and ono*: et .%*
elicited on behalf of this measure
It could not be said that the country was in ' different to the all but the former were practically cut off from an4ltitil: irk
_ ..4' ,i 4 v...,
}from au_
i'-'
__..

A