The Sun.
London, England, 1854-08-14 00:00:00

THE NEW BEER BILL.

Yesterday was the first day on which the new Boor
Bill came into operation, and after ten o'clock at night
there was some excitement in the vicinity of the
rail-
ways. Half-past two o'clock yesterday afternoon, the
time appointed for closing the different houses, passed
off, generally speaking, without any disorder ; but as
the hour of ten drew near, most of the licensed
♦ictuallers, who had put the hands of their olocks forward
some few minutes, so as to clear their houses in sufficient
time to avoid the pains and penalties oft he new law,
had the greatest difficulty in getting their customers to
leave. Many refused, unless they were turned out by
the police, and owing to the arrangements made by the
respective superintendents of each division, in having
constables placed round each house, the various taverns
were soon cleared. It was remarked by the police that
they never found the trade so anxious to conform to any
act of Parliament as on the present occasion.
In the immediate neighbourhood of the South-West-
ern Railway terminus, in the Waterloo-road, upon the
arrival of the various excursion trains from Hampton-
court, Richmond, Windsor, and Southampton, it ap-
peared that some of the passengers were ignorant of the
new bill having come into operation, and having been
refused any refreshment in the towns they had visited,
they expected that they would meet with every accom-
modation on reaching the metropolis.
A crowd of nearly 200 surrounded the Hero of
Waterloo, and claimed the right of being supplied with
the refreshments, on the ground of being travellers, but
Mrs. Okey refused to serve them.
A similar scene took place at the York, the corner of
the York-road. Mr. Potter refused to supply any as
travellers, unless a bona fide case were made out.

Several of the metropolitan houses having tea gardens
attached to their premises were exposed to greater
danger of being proceeded against than others, owing
to the visitors calling for more drink than could be con-
sumed in the time allowed by the new bill ; the orders
given were disregarded by the several guests, but the
houses were, after some trouble, closed at the appointed
time.

In the neighbourhood of the Eastern Counties Rail-
way at Shoreditch a similar scene of disappointment
took place, the various passengers being refused refresh-
ment upon their arrival by the different trains from
Yarmouth, Norwich, Colchester, Cambridge, and other
places.

In several places, more especially in the neighbour-
hood of Lambeth, persons who had travq,lled by the
trains from the country, after demanding admission on
the ground of being► travellers, on being refused pre-
tended that they were seized with the cholera, but,
without the interference of the police, none of those were
served.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERI.—The " London season"
terminated with the closing of Covent-garden Theatre
on Saturday night. The house was full, and the per-
formances—Le Comte Ory, and the second and third
acts of Otello—were very favourably received. " God
Save the Queen " was sung as usual. There was a loud
and general call for Mr. Costa ; and having, in cow
pliance with it, presented himself on the stage, he was
greeted with warm and prolonged applause—a just
tribute to the merits and services of this distinguished
maestro, who, ever since its establishment, has been the
life and soul of the Royal Italian Opera.
STRIKE OF THE LONDON CAB-DRIVERS.—Notice, it
' is stated, has been given by the cab-drivers to the
several cab and hackney carriage proprietors throughout
the metropolis that it is their intention to strike on
Wednesday next, the 16th inst., unless their demands
are complied with. Several meetings of the men have
lately been held, at which statements have been made
showing that the money expected by the cab proprietors
to be brought in by the men every day- in some cases
amounting to as much as 14—is too much; that in
consequence of the largo number of cabs now plying
about the streets of the metropolis, the lowness of the
fares, and the departure of most of the families from
town, they are unable to earn the amount expected by
the master, and that their families are for the most part
in a distressed condition. Deputations have waited
upon many of the cab owners, and represented these
facts to them, and, having obtained no satisfactory
reply, the men have determined, unless in the meantime
the master should alter opinions, to refuse to take their
cabs out on Wednesday. The omnibus proprietors are
also contemplating a withdrawal of the whole of their
numerous conveyances if the demands of the commis-
sioners of police should be persisted in.
Louis NAPOLEON AND FREE TRADE.—The French
Emperor has just given a striking illustration of the
truth of what Sir It. Peel urged upon his last cabinet,
to the horror and disbelief of some members of it. H.
asserted that if the corn duties were once totally re-
prAled, even in a time of famine—they would not again
be enacted. France has enjoyed for the last year a free
trade in corn, owing to the failure of the preceding har-
vest. A more abundant harvest than the present was
never produced in France. The Government, neverthe-
less, has come forward with a decree,' that the free trade
regulations of last year shall endure, and the unrestricted
import of corn be permitted. France, therefore, is
brought to a level with England on that great and im-
portant point of legislation. The trade in corn of both
countries is free. The similar reduction of duties on
salt meats and cattle will in all probability also be pre-
served, and no doubt the principle found to be so ad-
vantageous will be extended to other articles of neces-
sity. As to luxuries, France abounds in them, and can
well afford, upon other than free trade reasons, to lower
her tariff. Whatever on other grounds, then, may be
said of the Emperor of the French, he undoubtedly
seeks his sup porters in the large masses, not in privileged
c As the great proportion of the French people
raise their own food and consume their own produce,
the price is of comparatively small importance, whilst
the difference between scarcity and abundance is of very
great importance. In France at present, moreover,
the state, or the authorities local or central, are the
great employers. It is a condition of things out of
which Government finds it necessary to extricate itself,
yet this it can never hope to do unless in times of cheap-
ness and abundance. The Emperor seems wisely resolved
to get out of the difficulty by quietly adopting the prin-
ciples of free trade.—Axaminer.
DESTRUCTIVE FlRE.—Yesterday morning, between
two and three o'clock, a fire, which destroyed property
to the amount of about 7,0001., broke out on the
premises belonging to Mr. William Brookes, pawn-
broker and silver merchant, carrying on business at No.
102, King's-road, Chelsea. The house and its contents
were almost totally destroyed, and the insurance,
effected frith the Sun and Defender offices, does not
extend to the property in pledge.
CASUALTY AT WOOLWICH ARSENAL.—An accident
oc,airred about half-past ten o'clock a.m., on Saturday
last, in the laboratory department, by the igniting of a
metal fuzee while at work upon it, but most fortunately,
although it ignited several other fuzees, the whole were
put out without the slightest injury to any person, and
without any damage to the building, with the exception
of the breaking of one pane of glass.
ROT IN BALTIC SHEEP.—Dr. Davidson, of her Ma-
jesty's ship Dragon, has sent us specimens of a specie!
of distoma, found in the portal veins of a sheep purchased
for the use of the ship's company. The veins wore cur
filled with them. The species is the distoma 11(310601
—Medical Times and Gazette.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA.—Letters from
Aus-
tralia, dated the 14th of May, entirelyWderateth
Accordingcolony.the
subject,
b jpercetN:i oaunsdadpvrioc
excitementwerpe in course of
now said about it
organization. prospecting parties rties
gold farce is over, and no
11—During the past week
All that its
an
ounce
has
been
fiosu,n.d,.The
M kNOHESTER, August
f yarns from the home manufacturers, and
there' has been a good deal of inquiryfor the middle and
lower counts c
there still appear to be some buyers. The quo-
Ithnedila3unticslol,, German, and Mediterranean merchants. For
tations of last week have, consequently, remained firm,
perhaps been fully
at the least ; with an upward tendetey in some descrip-
tions. Thestyreesntgetrhdaoyf tahnedmvalr-dkzetyt has perhaps
Was
us apparent Tuesday.on
The demand for goods is still, as it has been for a eon-
siderable time back, relatively inferior to that for yarns.
The disproportion of prices has consequently been con-
tinually increasing, to the disadvantage of manufac-
turers : and it is now felt to be a matter of serious mo-
ment.

ROCHDALE, Aug. 7. —We have had a rather better
demand for flannelslo-day, and the merchants have pur.
chased more freely than on the preceding Monday.
Low-priced English wools are scarce, and the dealers
ask more money for them.

SIR BENJAMIN BALL'S ADDRESS TO
THE BOROUGH OF 111ARYLEBONE.

General Board of Health has no jurisdiction within
the metropolis, under the act 1848, by which it was
constituted. In that year the bill was presented by
the Earl of Carlisle, then Lord Morpeth, by which the
metropolis was specially excluded. Anything Ido
must be by suggestions and recommendations. I shall
not attempt to interfere in an arbitrary manner in a
district over which I have no authority by sta-
tute. And in the other districts of the kingdom
I think the board should be one of supervision,
advice, and counsel, rather than of an arbitrary charac-
' ter. I shall be at all times happy to counsel and assist
those who may be brought under my jurisdiction. But
I think—and this I wish to go forth—that those who
are interested in matters of this kind in their several lo-
s calities (that is, the ratepayers) ought to undertake as
much as possible themselves. But at the same time if
I find that local authorities, having powers given them
essentially for the public good, choose to be inactive,
and that they allow evils to exist contrary to the good
' and welfare of the community, then I think it is the
duty of the Minister to step in and to take part with
the public. That is my general view of the administra-
tion of the -office I now have the honour to hold. It
is very possible that in the position I occupy, and with
the confidence that has been reposed in me so gene-
rously and spontaneously by the Government, that they
will consult with me as to the future legislation with re-
gard to the metropolis, a question which must come
under the consideration of Parliament in the next ses-
sion. If they think fit to do so, I shall endeavour to
carry out that principle in the conduct of the general
affairs of the metropolis which I shall promote in my
own office—l mean the principle of local self-govern-
ment. Gentlemen, I have told yon exactly how the
case stands, without any disguise. I cannot think this
appointment was offered to me solely on my own ac-
count ; I believe it is very much owing to the position
in which lam placed as your representative. I have
been connected with you for seventeen years, and
I hope I shall continue to be so for many years to
come. (Cheers.)
Lord DUDLEY STUART said—Gentlemen, I have
the pleasing duty to perform—and a very pleasing one
it is to me—of acknowledging the very high com-
pliment you have paid to myself, together with my
honourable colleague, by approving of our conduct as
your representatives. I can assure you that I esteem
such a compliment in the highest possible degree,
and that it will operate with me so as to encourage
me to continue in the zealous discharge of the duties
which belong to me as the representative of this great
and enlightened constituency. I have always endea-
voured to perform my duty fearlessly as a member of
Parliament, and I have never feared to deliver my opi-
nion, such as it might be, when the opportunity called
for it. I have taken a pretty active share in the business
of the house, and I have boldly declared my sentiments.
I have not been afraid of being in minorities, nor have I
been slow to place myself sometimes, when I thought it
requisite, in a majority, wherfl have helped to put the
Government in a minority. I know that some of the
ablest statesmen and brightest ornaments of Parliament
have at times found themselves in a small minority, and
that some of the greatest questions that have decidedly
the almost universal assent of the nation, have been,
when first discussed, supported by small minorities. I
heard not long ago one hon. gentleman, a member of the
Government, consoling himself in the house publicly on a
defeat which I inflicted upon him in passing the Russian
Government Securities Bill—which, I am happy to say,
passed through with large majorities, and is now the law
of the land. I heard that hon. gentleman consoling him-
self with this observation, "It had been said by some
distinguished writer that minorities were generally in the
right." (A laugh.) Now, " what is sauce for the goose
is sauce for the gander," and I have a right to claim that
as a consolation when I happened to be in a minority.
It is my determination always to persevere in the course
which I think is right, without regard to the conse-
quences which may ensue to myself. I have heard to-day
from my hon. friend a statement with reference to the
office which he has accepted, and that, no doubt, must be of
essential interest to you on this occasion. He has told you
frankly the circumstances whiCh accompanied his tip_
pointment, and the views under which he accepted it.
But I must say my own friend has not done himself
entire justice. He told you, and that is within my own
knowledge, that he consulted some of the leaders of the
party with which he is connected, previously to return-
ing an answer to the offer made him by the Government.
He might have gone further, and told you that, being
being consulted by some of the most influential persons
as to the appointment of the board, he not only did not
solicit the office for himself, but actually pointed out
another hon. gentleman whom he urged the Government
to appoint to the office. It is only justice to my hon.
friend that that circumstance should be stated. (Hear.)
Gentlemen, we are, of course, on the eve of an election.
My hon. friend is no longer member for the borough of
Marylebone, and there will be a new election in a few
days. I have always had the greatest pleasure in acting
with my hon. friend. Without any slavish adherence
to one another, we have generally followed the same line.
Certain I am that both of us are equally anxious to pro-
tect and defend the interests of our constituents, and to
advocate liberal principles. There is now to be a new
election, and of course I do not know who it may be the
pleasure of the electors to give me for a coileague. Of
course, whoever that man may be, it will be my duty to
act with him, to the best of my power, for the advantage
of the borough and of the country at large, and to extend
to him all the cordial co-operation that may be in my
power. It does not belong to me, and I should be act-
ing most improperly if I interfered with regard to the
election further than this, that as an elector of Maryle
bone, an honour of which I am exceedingly proud, I -
shall record my vote for the best man in my j adgmen
who may present himself as a candidate. But I hope the
man who is to represent this great borough, whoever he
may be, will have as much talent, as much devotion to
the principles of local self-government, as much parlia-
mentary knowledge, as much acquaintance with the
wants and wishes of his constituents, as much ability,
and as much attachment to liberal principles as Sir Ben-
jamin Hall. (Cheers.) Greater qualifications Ido not
think it is easy to meet with, and with less the electors
of Maryleboue would not, and ought not to be content.
(Hear, hear.)

On Saturday, at the meeting of the vestry of St.
Marylebone, held at the Court-house, Mr. Clement
George, churchwarden, in the chair,
Mr. NICEIOLAY asked the permission of the vestry to
propose a resolution, which was customary at the conclu-
sion of each session of Parliament, namely, a vote of
thanks to the members for the borough, Sir B. Hall and
Lord Dudley Stuart. He looked upon the appointment
of the hon. baronet (Sir B. Hall) as the Minister of
Health as a great compliment to that borough, and as a
triumph for the principles of local self-government. As
to the noble lord, his character as the champion of the
oppressed, and as a straightforward, honest, and fearless
representative, was too well known to need any length-
ened praise from him. He had much pleasure in pro-
posing :—" That the thanks of the vestry are due, and
are hereby tendered, to Sir Benjamin Hall and Lord
Dudley Stuart, for the efficient and faithful discharge of
their Parliamentary duties, and for their diligent atten-
tion to the local interests of the borough."
Mr. F. H. BurnGm.A.N, although differing from the
pOlitical views of Sir B. Halt and Lord Dudley Stuart,
had much pleasure in seconding this resolution. In their
attention to the local affairs of their constituents they
were a pattern for all other metropolitan members.
Sir JAMES HAmwrorr, although, also, unfortunately
differing in political sentiments from the noble lord and
the honourable baronet, bore his testimony to the zeal
and ability displayed by both in defence of their local
interests.

Mr. MICHELL, while he gave his cordial support to
the resolution, could not refrain from expressing regret
that the honourable baronet had become allied with such
a Government as the present, and that he had taken the
control of a department which was in such ill odour
with the people.
The resolution was carried unanimously, and on Sir
B. Hall and Lord Dudley Stuart entering the room a
few minutes after, it was read to them.
Sir BENJAMLN HALL said—Mr. Churchwarden and
Gentlemen—lt has been my habit frequently at the close
of the session to attend here and thank you for the
manner in which you have received me on all occasions,
and for the able and valuable assistance you have given
my noble friend and myself in the discharge of the duties
that have devolved upon us as your representatives. I
came here to-day for the same purpose, and I was not
aware, until a few minutes ago, that you had passed a
vote of thanks to my noble colleague and myself. For
that expression of feeling I have to thank you on my
own behalf, and my noble friend will speak for himself,
after I have concluded what I have to say. In 1852,
when the general election took place, my noble friend
and myself came here about the let of July, and re-
turned our thanks to you then for the assistance you
had given us ; and we expressed our hopes then that
the manner in which we had conducted the local and
public business of the borough was such as had met with
your approval and that of the constituency at large.
We were then both out of Parliament. Circumstances
have again arisen with regard to myself which alter the
position I occupied this day week, and I shall feel it my
duty—knowing that all I say here will go forth to the
public through those channels of communication afforded
by the press—l shall feel it my duty to tell you, as the
parochial representatives of this part of the borough—
and I shall take the opportunity of telling the same body
in St. Pancras—and I should tell the constituency of
Paddington, if I could—all the circumstances relating
to the position I now occupy, because it is due to my-
self and to the Government, and may be fairly expected
by the electors at large. I think I may say that all that
has occurred has been most considerate on the part of the
Government, and alike honourable to yourselves and to
me. On Tuesday, the sth of July, a vote was asked in
committee of supply for the Board of Health. There
were strong objections made to that vote. I was very
ill at the time, but I left my house in order to state what
my views were in reference to that vote. I thought
that the vote ought not to be taken until the house was
informed what the constitution of the board was to be.
I stated. my views to that effect ; the Government ac-
quiesced in them, the vote was withdrawn, and a bill
was introduced for the purpose of constituting a Board
of Health. To that bill there were great objections.
The second reading was fixed for Monday, the 31st of
July, at twelve o'clock ; a division was taken on that
• occasion, and the division was against the further pro-
gress of the bill. In consequence of that decision, on
Tuesday, the Ist of August, in the House of Commons,
notice was given that another bill would be introduced.
That bill was based on the representations made by
Lord Seymour and myself and other members, namely,
that the Board of Health should be constituted in such
a manner that there might be a responsible officer as
bead of the board, who should be responsible to the
public through the medium of the House of Commons.
We thought it utterly impossible to allow an irrespon-
sible commission to go on as it had done, having such
enormous powers entrusted to it, but that it should
have some person in Parliament to answer for himself
and for the
,proceedings of the board. A bill was
brought in based on that principle, and so unanimous
was the feeling of the house as to the necessity of pass-
ing the measure with the least possible delay, that,
although it was only introduced on Tuesday, the let
inst., the second reading passed without even the bill
being printed, on the faith of the Government that the
representations we had made should be carried out.
I have already said that on Tuesday this bill was
brought in. It was read a second time on Wednesday,
the resolutions were reported on Thursday, and it passed
thrOugh a committee on Friday, and it then became
very evident that the Government must select some per-
son to fill the office at the head of the new board. Vari-
rions rumours were afloat, but I knew nothing of the
intentions of the Government until Sunday last, when a
gentleman holding high office in the Government called
upon me, and informed me it was the wish of the Go-
vernment that I should undertake the duties of Presi-
dent of the Board of Health, which office was to be
established under the bill that had been passed throneh
the House of Commons, and was to be carried up to the
House of Lords on Monday. My answer was—that I
was grateful for the honour intended me, but if I were
obliged to give answer at that moment I must decline
it. I said, if I was allowed till the following day, I
should be prepared to give an answer after due delibe-
ration and thought. This was on Sunday last. On
Monday (knowing that in consequence of what had
taken place I should receive a communication from the
First Minister of the Crown), I felt it my duty to take
the advice of those with whom I act in public life, and
stated the case, requesting their opinion, without in-
truding my own feelings on the matter. I placed my-
self in their hands, and said if they thought it would be
an advantage to the public I would accept it, but that I
should not hesitate to decline the office if they thought
there was any other member whose acceptance of the
office would be more beneficial, and would give greater
strength to the party. I wish it to be distinctly under-
stood that I never solicited the appointment ; it was a
spontaneous offer on the part of the Government ; and
it is due to the noble earl at the head of the Government,
with whom I have hardly ever had any communication
in• lite except in my public character as your represen-
tative, to say that I must deeply feel the very handsome
manner
in which he proposed it to me : I told the noble
earl that I had consulted thcise with whom I usually act
—that it was their wish I should take the office, and as
I found the Government unanimous in favour of my ac-
cepting it, I slaould do so, and endeavour to discharge
the duties to the best offfi s
emi my
ratherability.
aThusptheelitciacsael
stands—it is an office of social
character—it is a laborious one, requiring great care,
• thought, and consideration, anidehl:stiated that if I did un-
dertake anything of the kind, d endeavouri to cari y detTsElhEi SERVICE.—Candidates
out to the fullest possible extent theu s ffirst
service‘di"direct"
ewc
examination'o' ac are
e
self-government. (Hear, hear.) Thor' not in future found qualified on their
rGneiples of local will be allowed a second trial within the next ensuing
placed that confidence in me which I hooevernment have six mo ntbs, and, if not then found qualified, theirn_oariviie-
eirNirdation
and that I shall be able to justify the hope shall merit,
been already
willd revert to their pattrons.edThioliseb who have
and allowed
My jesty
of the first Minister of the Crown, which hermr onee trialar moyreexwatine ithaenndexutosixpamssonthws, and, if they
has been graciously pleased to approve.
itinterviewin. thelpatrons.
, then fail, their appointments will be also returned to
with the Prime Minister was on Monday, and
I did not make some public announcemenYt _
ILINCH,OLY DEATH.--Captain Spearman, of the
be asked why ya Engineers, died on Wednesday at his residence
of it previous to this morning when my address al,. in Well-street, Hackney, from the effects of an awkward
pared 2 The only answer I have to give is, that it accident. The gallant officer was returning at night
•
road near the
I from a visit to
in
High.attreerezi
Woolwich, when, in attempting to cross
would have been improper in me to have done_ anything the
ap- railroad,
until I had received an intimation of her Majesty'slasnrodfitetillieNorth Woolwich
pleasure was signified to me tunate
Her 11' esty s ly knocked down andstunnedlaj, he was most unfor
probation.
nof yesterday, and I imme- omnibus, while the wheel of the
at a late hour in the aiternoo vehicle passed ever both
to the public papers, in his legs. No bones were broken,
diately sent off my address hensions entertained by themedicaln attendants
any appre-
-4 at the eardest
order to apprise all who were intera.,,eiutal issue of. the case up to the hour of th
captain's of t 11e
have stated to
possible moment. Now, gentlemen,,decease, which took place rather suddenly. Captain
I. I have represented Spearman served for many years in Canada,
yl:o4•:the facts as they have cccurrec
• author of a work on fort'fi • which
and was the
shall do so again. cation, which is held in great
as iyou for many years, and hope I esteem by the military profession.
(Hear.) You form part of one of the largest const.itu.
00METIIING LOOMING IN THE DISTANCE. One of the
e,ncies in the empire, second to none in point of wealth, most remarkable innovations of the day is the evident
intelligence, and extent ; an offer was made to take me at_temiepttimtoe borfienegraabeoeutstthe adoption of the small dieop
te an office of a very responsible character—most ini• t
oor by a coup d'otat,lput by gradually
immediately,
accustoming the
portant for the public weal—and to carry out principles " the • • ttt
eye to increasing ro un y, and to its particular
in which you have always yourselves taken an interest,
locality. Barege, muslin, silk, or grenadine dresses
I hope I shall Succeed ; I shall do my best to deserve
are worn with a jupon of stiff taffetas, of the same
success. As I have said in my address, if you send me shade as the robe, and is gathered in with it at the
_wk to the House of Commonswaist, Besides this contrivance, a stiff tulle, of the same
as I trust you will
lsday or Wednesday neat, I shall, as soon. •
„ shade, is placed under the flounces, which gives them
t and firmness. Small ruches of ribbon on
t meets, be in a positron togreat suppor
bring in a bill based on of the flounces of dresses of light fabrics ma-
nrinciples, and which Iho • the edges
ma-
hope will be approved by 'll assist the effect of the shape of the skirt, with-
- 7incial districts. I speak term y
from the character of the material.—Le
of Lthe provincial die- out detracting
scause, perhaps, you are not aware that the // Fo et.

Sir BENJAMIN HALL again rose and said—l have been
informed that there is a gentleman present with whom I
have been associated in private life for a period of thirty-
four years. He has been a political opponent of mine,
but I understand he has alluded to me in a manner most
gratifying, and most generous as regards himself—l
mean Sir James Hamilton. (Cheers.) He has spoken
of me in the kindest terms, and although we may differ
a shade in politics, it is gratifying to me that he thinks
I have done my duty as regards the borough. I thank
him sincerely.
Sir JAMES HAMILTON—I assure Sir Benjamin I said
just what I thought. I was not aware he was so near
at hand at the time. I think him very wrong in many
things, but he is a young man like myself, and I hope
will improve. (Cheers and laughter.)

•
Mr. FIL3IER called the attention of the hon. baronet
to the circumstances connected with Lord Palmerston's
having given his assent to the cemetery for the parish of
Paddington at Kilburn, and hoped the hon. baronet,
now he held an office connected with security of public
health, would endeavour to induce Lord Palmerston to
withdraw his consent.
Sir B. HALL said the noble lord the Home Secretary
had referred the matter to the law officers of the Crown,
as to whether, having given his consent, be could with-
draw it. There the matter stood at present.
The subject then dropped, and the hon. members
quitted the court house.

BUSINESS OF THE SESSION.

The Parliamentary session, which was on Saturday
brought to a close, differs from its predecessors of the
last nine-and-thirty years in that it has been emphati-
cally a war session. Not a week had elapsed from the
time of its assembling before the " Eastern question"
became the great topic of our senators ; and from that
time forth it formed the most engrossing subject of their
debates. Measures for the reform of Parliament, the
education of the people, and for social progress.gave way
before its all-pervading force ; and thus the session,
which opened big with promise, does not exhibit such an
amount of useful domestic legislation as might under
other circumstances have been anticipated. Still there
have been passed the Oxford University, the Bribery,
the Common Law Procedure, the Ecclesiastical Courts,
the Gaming-houses, the Indian Appointments, the
Railway and Canal Traffic Regulations, the Public
Revenue and Consolidated Fund Charges Bills, and
other measures which will be recognised as of consider-
able importance. It is scarcely necessary to add that
every proposition of the Government for carrying on the
war with vigour and success has been acquiesced in with
a unanimity and an alacrity highly creditable to the
national honour.

Parliament having assembled upon the 31st of
January, the House of Commons has sat, since that
per:o l, upon 125 days, extending over 945 hours; while
the House of Lords has sat upon 100 days, extending
over 268 hours. The average-duration of the daily
sittings of the Commons, therefore, has been some-
thing more than 7i hours each, and of the Lords,
2 17-25 hours. The vicious habit of sitting past
midnight, although not carried to the extent of last
se:aion, has still been practised largely by the Commons,
especially within the last month, when 3 o'clock in the
morning has been no uncommon hour of adjournment.
Their sittings past midnight have amounted to 85 hours,
or 103 days of eight hours each. The Lords have only
offended in this respect upon three occasions, and their
total hours past midnight amount to but 34. The "No
House" phenomenon and the " Counts-out," so often
looked forward to with hope by the reporters, have been
very rare. Of the former there have been two, and of
the latter four. Two of the counts-out have' been the
result of sheer inanition at past 1 o'clock in the morn-
ing. The total number of divisions in the Commons has
been 236 as against 260 in the previous'session ; and 27
in the Lords, as against 25:
Subjoined is a résumé of some of the more important
events which have characterised the session :

Jan. 31—Parliament opened by the Queen in person.
The address, which was moved in the Lords by the Earl
of Carnarvon and seconded by the Earl of Ducie, and
moved in the Commons by Lord Castlerosse and
seconded by Mr. Hankey, was agreed to without an
amendment. In the course of the debate a discussion
took place with regard to the alleged interference of the
Prince Consort with military appointments and with the
affairs of the Foreign-office, which resulted in a success-
ful refutation of the charge.
Feb. 2—The Chancellor of the Exchequer brought in
a bill to alter the mode of providing for certain expenses
now charged upon certain branches of the public revenue
and the consolidated fund.

Feb. 3—Mr. Cardwell brought in two bills with re-
ference to merchant shipping.
Feb. 6—The Marquis of Clanricarde drew attention
briefly to the Eastern question. Lord J. Russell intro-
duced the Oaths Bill.

Feb. 7—The Earl of Hardwicke directed attention to
the state of the Navy List. Mr. I. Butt brought for-
ward the question of the "conduct of Irish members,"
as it had been described in the Times of the previous
day, and obtained the appointment of a select committee
on the subject.
Feb. B—Mr. Hudson vindicated himself from a charge
made against him, incidentally, during his absence last
night by Mr. T. Duncombe.
Feb. 9. A. discussion took place, at the instance of
Lord Lyndhurst, upon the consolidatioa of the statutes.

Feb. -10—In the Lords a discussion arose on the
Eastern question, and the propriety of withdrawing the
proposed Reform Bill, in the face of a threatened war.
Lord John Russell brought in two bills directed against
corrupt practices at elections. Mr. Baines brought in a
bill to amend the Law of Settlement and Poor Removal,
which led to a long and interesting debate.

Feb. 13—The leader of the House of Commons intro
ducat] the new Reform Bill.

Feb.-14—The Marquis of Clanricarde moved an ad-
dress to her Majesty for information respecting the ces-
sation of diplomatic relations with the Court of St.
Petersburg. The motion, though ultimately withdrawn,
led to a long and important debate, in which all the
most prominent members of their Lordships' House
took part.

Feb. 16—The Lord Chancellor drew attention to the
state of the law relating to testamentary jurisdiction.
The select committee on the conduct of Irish members
was nominated.

Feb. 17.—A debate in the Lords upon national educa-
tion in Ireland, which was raised by Earl Fitzwilliam,
led to the appointment of a select committee. Mr. Layard
called attention to the state of the relations of this
country with Russia and Turkey. A long and ani-
mated debate ensued, and it was at length adjourned.
Feb. 20.—The adjourned debate_wa.s resumed by Mr.
Cobden, and closed with a speech from Lord Palmer-
ston, shortly before two o'clock in the morning.
Feb. 21.—TheManchester and Salford Education Bill
was rej Thed on second reading, b 105 to 76.
Feb. 23. Lord Advocate brought in the Scotch
Education Bill.

Feb. 24.—A long debate occurred in the Lords upon a
series of resolutions with respect to the war, which
were moved by Lord Beaumont, but were in the end
withdrawn. The army estimates went through com-
mittee in the Commons, and several votes were agreed
to on the naval estimates.

Feb, 27.—The Lord Chancellor brought in a bill to
amend proceedings in the courts of common law. The
navy estimates concluded in the Commons, and several
Ordnance votes taken.

Feb. 28.—Mr. TlChambers obtained the appointment
of a select committee upon conventual and monastic in-
stitutions, by a.majority of 186 to 119.
March 3.—LordiJ. Russell announced the postpone.
ment of the second reading of the new Reform Bill until
the 27th of April next.
March 6.--The Chancellor of the Exchequer made a
financial statement.

March 7—The Coasting Trade Bill passed the House
of Commons "amid general cheering."
March B—Mr. L. King's Succession to Real Estate
Bill was lost, on second reading, by 203 to 82. '
March 9—The questions of manning the navy, the
Reform Bill, and the sanitary condition of the country
occupied the Lords for several hours.
March 10—The Earl of Shaftesbury, in an interesting
speech, moved for papers relative to the treatmeht of
Christians in the East, which were promised by the Go-
vernment.

March 13—A discussion occurred in the Commons
upon a speech made by Sir J. Graham at the dinner to
Sir C. Napier at the Reform Club, on the 7th inst. A
debate ensued en going into Committee of Ways and
Means upon the Greek insurrection in Turkey, which
was introduced by Mr. Milnes. The Mutiny Bill was
read a third time and passed.
March 14—The Earl of Malmesbury drew attention
to the subject of secrets alleged to have been communi-
cated by the Foreign-office to the press.
March 17—The same subject was again referred to in
the Lords. Lord J. Russell introduced his bill for the
amendment of the University of Oxford.
March 20—The Income-tax resolution was agreed to
in a Committee of Ways and Means.
March 21—A long debate took place in the Commons
upon bringing up the report of the resolution on the
Income tax, which was initiated by Sir H. Willoughby.
March 27—A Message from her Majesty to both
houses announced the termination of friendly relations
with the Emperor of Russia.
March 28—A. long debate—ultimately adjourned—
took place in the Commons upon the nomination by Mr.
T. Chambers of the proposed Committee upon Conventual
and Monastic Institutions.

March 29—In the Commons the Marquis of Bland-
ford moved the second reading of the Episcopal and
Capitular Estates Bill. The debate was adjourned, Sir
W. Clay having moved as an amendment that the bill
be read a second time that day six months.
March 30—Mr. Baines made a statement relative to
his resignation of the office of President of the Poor Law
Board. The Income-tax Bill was read a third time and
passed. Debate on nomination of Committee on Con-
ventual and Monastic Institutions was renewed and again
adjourned.
March 31—Debate in both Houses on the Address in
reply to her Majesty's Message with reference to the
war with Russia. It was moved in the Lords by the
Earl of Clarendon, and in the Commons by Lord J.
Russell, and was agreed to without opposition.

. .
April 3—Both Houses assembled shortly after two
o'clock, and proceeded to the Palace, where they pre-
sented to the Queen the address in answer to her Majesty's
Message. In the evening her Majesty's gracious reply
was announced.

April 4—Lord St. Leonards, in moving for some re-
turns, brought under the consideration of the Lords the
condition of the wives and children of our soldiers in
the East.
April 6—The Earl of Eglinton presented a petition
from the National Association for the Vindication of
of Scottish Rights, and made a long speech and founded
a motion upon it, which led to a short debate, in which
most of the Scotch peers participated. The motion was
withdrawn.
On the motion of Mr. Moore, a select committee was
appointed to inquire into the circumstances attending
the appointment of Mr. Henry Stonor to a judgeship in
the colony of Victoria. Mr. Cardwell brought in the
Government bill for the better regulation of traffic upon
railways and canals.
April 7—Earl Grey, in a lengthened and able speech,
brought under the attention of the house the important
subject of the Administration of the Army. The Testa-
mentary IJurisdiction Bill was read a third time in the
Lords. After a long debate, the Oxford University Bill
was read a second time in the House of Commons,
April 11—Parliament adjourned for the Easter holy.
days until the 27th inst. In the House of Commons,
Lord J. Russell, in moving the adjournment, announced
that it was not the intention of the Government to pro-
ceed further this session with the Reform Bill. The
Chancellor of the Exchequer, having laid the balance-
sheet for the year upon the table, made a financial
statement.

April 27—Parliament reassembled. The Earl of El-
lenborough put some questions relative to the landing of
the British troop at Gallipoli, in consequence of the
statements of the Times correspondent upon the subject.
The Duke of Newcastle answered them, and a brief de-
bate ensued. After a Fong debate upon an amendment
of Mr. Heywood, the House of Commons went into
committee upon the Oxford University Bill.