The Sun.
London, England, 1853-02-11 00:00:00

E SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 11, 1853.

parcels of Bengal sugar were sold privately at full rates.
COCOA.—Purchases in foreign are still trifling, and there
appears a desire to sell, Bahia at 24s 6d to 255, Para 26s
6d to 27s 6d, and Guayaquil at 34s to 36s per cwt. The
demand has improved this week for Trinidad, and at auc-
tion 336 bags of the new crop sold at full prices, good to
fine red at 38s to 41s 6d, low to mid 35s 6d to 375, and
grey from 32s to 355. Privately some parcels have been
disposed of at similar rates, and Grenada realised 30s to
35s 6d, fine 36s to 37s per cwt.
COFFEE.—Although there continues to be a reluctance
to operate in Native Ceylon, yet holders are firm, and ob-
tain 46s 6d to 47s for good ord of new import, and 47s 6d
for superior. To-day many parcels of Plantation Ceylon
under the denomination of mid were sold privately at full
rates. There is, however, yet little doing in better sorts
with sellers at previous terms. Not any was offered at
auction. Although Native Ceylon met with little notice,
yet good ord of new import cannot be obtained under 475.
Mocha sells more freely, and at auction 100 bales from
Alexandria realised 66s 6d to 67s 6d, for good greenish
being rather higher prices.
TEA.—A more active demand has been experienced for
low•to good common Congou, and the currency is firm at
10d 'to lOid per lb. for sound. Prices have not improved
for other sorts, still largo transations have taken place ;
rather blackish leaf to blackish leaf at 104td to ls, strong
to pekoe flavour is id to is Bd, and superior is 9d to 2s 2d.
Green is less freely offered for sale, and large transactions
having taken place prices are supported ; and of lower
sorts of young hyson the quantity at market is now barley
sufficient for dealers' wants.
RICE.—The dullness in the market for East India has
further increased, and there having been a more plentiful
supply of Madras prices declined 3d to 6d per cwt.
Coringa buyers at lOs to 10s 6d for good quality, at 75 6d
to 9s 6dJfor damaged, and 11Lbags at 9s to 9s 6d for
sound barley grain. In 'tither sorts privately purchases
have been small both for the home and foreign markets,
although there are sellers at rather lower rates.
SPICES.—Of nutmegs supply is barely adequate to the
demand, and previous terms are well supported. Atauc-
tion 23 cases found buyers, fine brown at 3s lid, mid to
good 2s 6d to 2s 11d, small' 2s to 2s 4d. Privately some
parcels of limed sold at is 6d to 2s, and fine 2s 2d to 2s 4d.
Mace is in small snpply and wanted, rates in consequence
are on the rise, first sort selling privately at 2s 10d to 3s
2d, and other kinds 2s 5d to 2s 9d. Only 5 cases have been
offered at auction. Cloves are in increased request, and
rates rather incline upwards.
Ruie BRANDY, AND HOLLAGDS.—Choice sorts 37s to
40s per cent. over proof sold at 4s to 4s 4d, fine 34s to 36s
over 3s 5(1 to 3s 10d, good 2s lid to 3s 4d, low to mid 28s
to 34s over 2s 7d to 10d. In Leeward Island purchases
have been trifling, and. is 10qid to is lld is the nearest
value proof, but supply keeps scanty, yet few buyers are
to be met with, and this price cannot be obtained for
arrival. Havannah is scarce, and worth 1s 9id proof, but
no sales have taken place. Rum is 6d. Brandy is offer-
ing at further reduced terms, yet exporters and home
dealers are reluctant to operate, The currency now is for
Cognac best brands of the vintage of 1851 7s 6d to
7s Bd, 1850 ditto 7s 8d to 70 10d, 1849 ditto 7s 10d to Bs,
older 8s 2d to 8s 4d, low to mid 6s 6d to '73 4d, and Bor-
deaux 6s to 6s 2d.
INDIGO.—To-day at auction 50 serons Guatimala Indigo
sold freely at full rates, and went at 3s ld to 5s 4d per lb.
COCHINEAL.—This afternoon there was less desire to
operate in Cochineal, and prices declined id per lb. Of
200 bags at auction about half sold, Honduras silvers at
3s 9d to 4s id, and dead grain 3s to 3s 4d per lb.
TALLow.—A reluctance is evinced to purchase for de-
livery, and there are sellers at 43s to 43s 3d for last three
months of the year. The quantity of home melted on
offer yet exceeds consumption, and 44s accepted cash. At
auction this afternoon 450 casks Australian were in part
sold, Beef at 41s to 42s 6d ; Mutton 41s to 44s 6d ; 100
casks South American 41s 6d to 44s 6d ; 138 packages
East India vegetable 43s per cwt.

when

li~WERIA PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF LORDS—(YESTERDAY.)
(Continued from our Third Edition of last evening.)
THE POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT.

The Earl of ABERDEEN having moved the adjourn-
ment of the house, their lordships were all rising to leave,

The Earl of DERBY said—Before the house adjourns,
I trust her Majesty's Government will allow me to put a
question, or rather to make a single remark, which I
hope they will not think an unnecessary one. Under
ordinary circumstances at the commencement of the ses-
sion, as your lordships are aware, it is the practice, and
I venture to think a very useful practice, for the Minis-
ters of the day, through the medium of the Royal Speech,
to explain more or less, though not descending into minute
particulars, the general measures which it is the intention
of the Government to submit. lam well aware that at
the present moment we are not at the commencement of
a session, and that we meet under circumstances which
.deprive us of hearing through the ordinary channel what
the intentions of her Majesty's Government may be, but
it is not the less necessary those intentions should be
promulgated. (Hear, hear.) Your lordships are
aware that at the present moment, Parliament having
been adjourned and not prorogued, and a new Govern-
ment having succeeded to office since the delivery of the
Royal Speech, we have no indication of the specific
measures which it is the intention of that Government to
submit to Parliament. Ido not put the question in any
hostile spirit, nor am I about to ask of her Majesty's
Government any expression of the general political prin-
ciples on which legislation will be conducted. The noble
earl opposite gave some explanation on his first assump-
tion of office ; and although that explanation did not
throw any great light on the general policy of the Go-
vernment, but left us in a state of as much uncertainty,
as to the course which will be pursued, as before that
speech was delivered, and although, certainly, we aro
unable to form any possible conjecture as to the line of
policy, or the general political principles, from the ante-
cedents and previous opinions of a portion of those who
compose the Government, I suppose if I put the question
I should receive much the same sort of general explana-
tion. My lords, I am not therefore anxious to ask on
what principles the Government is about to proceed,; but
I think I have a right to ask for a statement of the mea-
sures they intend to propose, as it is more desirable the
Government should be practically tested by those mea-
sures which they will submit to the consideration of
Parliament than by the vague generalities in which the
First Minister of the Crown may veil the policy which
it is intended to pursue. (Hear, hear.) This question
would have been rendered unnecessary by the noble
earl opposite volunteering to state to your lordships
what are the specific measures and the principal mea-
sures he means to submit, and to which he thinks the
attention of this and the other House of Parliament
may be the most profitably and most usefully directed
in the course of the present session. The noble and
learned lord on the woolsack has given notice that on
Monday next he will inform the house what the Go-
vernment intend to propose with regard to the question
of law reform. With regard to that question I trust
they will follow the course which has reflected so
much credit on the assiduity and industry of my
noble and learned friend near me (Lord St. Leonards),
which assiduity and industry I am glad to find,
from the statement he has just made, he has not aban-
doned with that office from which, I may venture to
say in his presence, and even in the presence of the noble
and learned lord on the woolsack, this country has great
cause to regret his removal. I hope the course of law
reform entered upon so actively and energetically by my
noble and learned friend will not suffer by the transfer
of the seals to other hands than those of my noble and
learned friend ; and of this I am quite certain that to no
hands could they have been transferred with less proba-
bility of those reforms being prejudiced than to those of
the noble and learned lord on the woolsack. But, my
lords, I am informed it is the intention of the Govern-
ment, if that intention has not already been carried into
effect, to make a statement in the other house of Parlia-
ment in the course of this evening, by the mouth of one
of the noble earl's colleagues, indicating the measures
which her Majesty's Government will introduce ; and
although it may be quite true that we shall probably
have the opportunity, by the usual breach of privilege,
of ascertaining to-morrow morning, through the ordi-
nary channels of information, the course the Govern-
ment intend to pursue, I think it would be more con-
sistent with parliamentary practice, and would show
more consideration for your lordship's house, if the head
of the Government were to indicate the measures which
it is the intention of the Government to introduce—more
especially as I presume that the statement will be made
in the other house upon the joint responsibility of the
noble earl and his colleagues. (Hear.) I think it fully
as important that that statement should be made here,
because, from the circumstances of the present year, the
early part of this session must be more than ordinarily
occupied in the other house with business of a descrip-
tion in which your lordships do not interfere, and that
will necessarily postpone legislative measures, how-
ever pressing, to a period of the year when it is very dif-
ficult to obtain the approval of your lordships and of
the other House of Parliament. Easter this year occurs
at an unusually early period, and before the recess the
Government can only command a very few days for
bringing forward those necessary measures essential for
maintaining the army and navy, and during that time I
am not aware of anything being before your lordships'
house. A quantity of valuable time is consumed in the
early period of the Session, without any business being
transacted, and the result is a hasty and imperfect per-
formance of legislative duties at the close of the session,
to the great disadvantage of your lordships, and to the
great disadvantage of the country. I think it desirable
that your lordships
.should, as early as possible, be in a
position to judge practically of the confidence you are
able to place in the present Government—that you should
be informed what are the subjects to which, as I presume,
in the last six weeks they have directed their attention
—what are the subjects on which the Cabinet have
made up their minds, and what are the subjects they intend
in the present session to submit to the consideration
of Parliament. (Hear, hear.) As I have already said,
I do not ask for the assertion of any general principles,
but I ask for a declaration of the measures the Govern-
ment intend to submit to Parliament. (Hear, hear.) I
think, more especially in the present state of parties, that
nothing can be more desirable than that the Government
—if they are desirous of conscientiously performing their
duties and proving by the practical measures they intro-
duce their capacity to govern—and yet not their
capacity, for of' that there can be no doubt, as there
has seldom been embodied a larger amount of talent
than in the present Cabinet ; but I will say—proving
that the talent they possess is turned to its full pur-
pose for the service of the country, and that whatever
political differences of opinion may have subsisted be-
tween them on former occasions, they are able to
combine and co-operate together for the purpose of
bringing forward measures which are useful and valu-
able top that the Government should have
an op
the confidence of the country
otrthuenciotyunotfrye:rning
and establishing its claims to that confidence in a man-
ner far more satisfactory than can be achieved by a mere
declaration of principle, or by any announcement of the
inaividuapautllryeineend performance,ter:ain.Th
They will
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t obe which
ju
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by their judged
and not by their declarations of principle, and I venture
to say on the part of myself and of those friends with
whom I have the honour of acting, that if they bring
forward such measures -as we in our consciences, can
support and approve, they will receive from us not
only no opposition, not only no desire on our parts
to disturb the positions they hold, but nothing will
give us more satisfaction than to find we are able to
co-operate with them for the purpose of carrying
measures useful and beneficial to the country. (Hear.)
On the other hand, we ought to know what course it is
the intention of the Government to pursue—we ought to
know how far they will adopt and carry out those mea-
sures partly shadowed forth by the noble earl opposite,
and whether he is inclined to bring forward measures of
such a character as it will be impossible for a Conserva-
tive Opposition to approve.
Earl FITZWILLIAM, who spoke from the cross
benches, questioned whether it was particularly conso-
nant with the precedent and practice of former times to
call on the Administration, formed under the circum-
stances under which the present Administration was
formed, to declare the particular measures which they
intended to propose. His noble friend (the Earl of
Derby) would recollect that on the formation of the Go-
vernment, the noble earl at the head of it did declare dis-
tinctly the object of the Administration was to main-
tain, support, and extend free commerce. So far, then,
the principles of the Administration had been declared.
How far it would be expedient, at the present moment,
that her Majesty's Ministers should enter into a state-
ment of the particular measures which they intended to
propose,
was another question, and one into which he
should abstain on the present occasion from entering.
The question of law reform appeared to him to have
been taken up by the late Government, and to be now
resumed by the present Government. The public had
nothing further to expect than that the present adminis-
tration should carry into effect those reforms which
were prepared by the last administration, and which
they had taken from those to whom they succeeded.
Notwithstanding, therefore, the curiosity of, his noble
friend, he hoped the noble earl at the head of the Go-
vernment would not give too much satisfaction to that
curiosity, and not excite in the public naiM too early a
consideration of measures which it might be afterwards
more prudent to abstain from pressing. He trusted that
the noble earl, from prudential considerations, would
not listen too hastily to the question which has been put
to hire.
The Earl of ABERDEEN said—On the last day of
the meeting of the house I laid before your lordships, in
general terms, the principles on which the Government
had been formed, and on which they intended to act.
In addition he alluded to the principal subjects which
would engage the attention of her Majesty s Govern-
ment, with a view to future legislation. Those subjects
have since that day occupied the attention of the Cabi-
net, and on those subjects, or the greater part of them,
I trust legislation will take place. But as that legisla-
tion must for the most part originate in the House of
Commons, I believe that it would not, as the noble earl
states, be following the precedents in this house to an-
-flounce to your lordships measures which are to be
brought forward in the other house. With respect to
law reforms, my noble and learned friend (the Lord Chan-
cellor) has already given notice of his intention to state

the measures which he has in readiness or preparation to
lay before your lordships. Notwithstanding what has •
been done on that subject, I believe there is much yet to
do, and no doubt the measures prepared by my noble and
learned friend will sufficiently show that her Majesty's
Government •have occupied their attention with that
subject. lam glad to know that the noble earl opposite
is prepared to examine these measures with impartiality
and fairness ; and if he should be able to give them his
support, undoubtedly it will very much facilitate their
passing into law ; but should they not meet his approval,
I still trust the measures now announced, or about to be
announced, will be such as to merit the support of your
lordships' house. (Hear, hear.)
The Earl of DERBY—I rejoice to hear that measures of
law reform are in a forward state of preparation for legisla-
tion ; but though I receive that statement with considerable
satisfaction, I am somewhat disappointed by the answer
given by the noble earl opposite, in which his conclusions
differ from those of the noble earl on the cross benches.
The noble earl on the cross benches appears to consider
any statement of the intentions of the Government would
be wholly premature. No doubt, after the intimation
of the noble earl (the Earl of Aberdeen), that no infor-
mation will be given to the House of Lords by the Mi-
nister of the Crown, my noble friend (Earl Fitzwilliam)
will look with as much curiosity and anxiety as I shall
to the morning papers, for the purpose of discovering
through them that information which I still venture to
think it would have been more respectful to your lord-
ships' house to have communicated by one of the Mini-
sters of the Crown ; and my noble friend on the cross
benches will there find, by the consent of a united Go-
vernment, a colleague of the noble lord at the head of
the Government, in detail and in extenso, making that
statement to the House of Commons with regard to the
intentions of her Majesty's Government which the noble
earl thinks it imprudent and premature to make in the
• House of Lords. (Hear, hear, and a laugh.)
Earl FITZWILLIAM said there was a difference be-
tween a Minister in the House of Commons declaring
what measures he would propose there and his noble
friend (the Earl of Aberdeen) declaring here the mea-
sures which his colleagues would propose elsewhere.

(A. laugh.)
The Earl of DERBY—I have always understood that
colleagues in one house were ready to answer for their
colleagues in another ; and I am sure that the noble lord
in the other house would not take the step of announc-
ing in detail the intentions of the Government without
the consent of his colleagues here. , But I will limit my
question to asking the noble earl Opposite what measures
he intends, upon the part of her Majesty's Government,
to submit to your lordships' house in the course of the
present session ?
The Earl of ABERDEEN bowed, but returned no
answer.
The Earl of DERBY—Does silence mean none ?
Does the noble earl, on the part of the Government,
mean that no measures are to be introduced into your
lordship's house this session
The Earl of ABERDEEN again bowed, and appeared
to give some monosyllable answer to the question, but it
was not heard in the gallery.
The Earl of DERBY—May I may be permitted to
ask again what measures will be introduced into this
house this session ? I have the sanction of my noble
friend upon the cross-benches (Earl Fitzwilliam) for put-
ting at least this question. (A laugh.)
After a pause,
The Earl of DERBY—StiII no answer.
Another pause of a few seconds ensued, during which
a peer moved that the house do adjourn ; and their lord-
ships immediately adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS-(YESTERDAY•)

PUBLIC BUSINESS.

Lord J. RUSSELL having laid on the table a con-
vention relative to the succession to the throne of
Greece, proceeded to state the course which Govern-
ment intended to pursue with respect to the conduct of
the public business. The noble lord, who spoke in so
low a tone as to be very indistinctly heard, was under-
stood to say—ln moving that these papers lie on the
table I think it may be convenient to the house if I
state the course which her Majesty's Government mean
to pursue with respect to the measures which it is their
intention to bring forward in the early part of the pre-
sent session. (Hear, hear.) I beg to say at once that
it is not my intention, nor is it at all necessary for me
to make any statement with regard to the general
principles and views of her Majesty's Government.
A statement of that kind has been already
made by my noble friend at the head of the Go-
vernmen't, and that statement is so generaly known as
to require no further remark on that subject. (Hear.)
Her Majesty's Government intend, as soon as the
estimates for the year can be laid on the table and placed
in the hands of honourable members, to bring those
estimates under the consideration of the house. We
hope to be able on Friday evening to ask the 'house to
resolve itself into a committee on the navy estimates ;
and we intend, as soon as possible afterwards, to proceed
with the estimates for the army and ordnance. With
regard to the number of men for the army, navy, and
ordnance, I have to state that there will be no increase
abyb_b
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increase, as will prove satisfactory to the house. At
l
under discussion. Besides the estimates, we propose
to bring forward, in the first place, a bill to enable the
legislature of Canada to dispose, with due regard to the
interests of the present'holders of the clergy reserves of
that province. (Hear, )fear.) It is the intention of the
present Government to carry into effect the statement
made on the part of the Crown by Lord Grey when he
was Secretary for the Colonies. The next question to be
submitted to the house will be brought forward by my
right hon. friend the President of the Board of Trade,
who, in moving for leave to introduce a bill on the sub-
ject of pilotage, will state the course which he proposes
to pursue with respect to the light dues and various
other matters affecting the shipping interest. (Hear.)
I propose on a very early day to ask the house to resolve
itself into a committee of the whole house, with a view
to the removal of the disabihties now affecting the Jew-
ish subjects of her Majesty, and of placing them on the
same footing as all other classes of her Majesty's subjects.
(Hear.) The next question which I propose to bring
before the house—but not until after the estimates have
been voted—is one on the important subject of educa-
tion. (Hear, hear.) I will not endeavour to excite
any false hopes or expectations by saying that I am
about to produce on the part of the Government a very
large plan upon that subject ; but I shall make certain
proposals which I think, if they are adopted, will tend
very greatly to further and promote the cause of educa-
tion—a cause which impresses itself more and more
upon the minds of all who consider the future destiny
of this country, and which in every respect, whatever
opinions we may entertain, and whatever plans we may
think best, must be considered of the very highest impor-
tance. In stating the views of the Government upon the
subject of the education of the pobrer classes generally,
I will, either then or shortly afterwards, explain the
course which the Government intend to pursue with re-
spect to the report which has been made by the commis-
sioners relative to the universities of Oxford and Cam-
bridge. (Hear, hear.) I am at present unable to state
when any educational measure for Scotland will be
brought forward. because I have not had an opportunity
for some time of conversing with my honourable and
learned friend the Lord Advocate, but probably in the
course of the present session a bill on that subject will be
introduced by the Government. (Hear.) There is another
question, relative to which the right hon. gentleman the
late Secretary for the Colonies has given a notice—l
mean the important question of transportation. I need
not now refer to the great changes which have taken place
—changes to which I have alluded in former debates—
changes both with respect to the constitution and govern-
ment of our Australian colonies, and also with regard to
the recent discoveries of gold in Australia. But I will
state at once that the present Government entirely ad-
here to the intention of the late Government,- that trans-
portation to Australia shall cease. (Cheers.) It is im-
possible, however, not to perceive that the cessation of
transportation to the Australian colonies, to which the
great mass of our convicts have been sent, renders it
imperatively necessary to look seriously at the ques-
tion of secondary punishments. (Hear, hear.) The
late Lord Chancellor intimated his intention of introduc-
ing a bill into the other house of Parliament for the con-
solidation of the criminal law. I have been deterred
for some years from attempting any such consolida-
tion by the conviction that it would be necessary to
make some change with respect to transportation. We
do not propose at present to bring in any bill for laying
down any plan for secondary punishments. That ques-
tion will receive the serious attention of both houses of
Parliament, but if no proposition should emanate from
private members of either house upon that subject, the
Government themselves will in that case have proposals
to make with respect to the system of secondary punish-
ments. I may say, therefore, that her Majesty's Go-
verment have already come to the determination, which
my noble friend the Secretary for the Home Department
will carry into effect, namely, that after those vessels
which haveaLet
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in respect of the measures of legal reform, and of the im-
provement in the sale of land, which it is the intention of
the Government to propose. There are other important
measures which will be introduced with respect to Ireland.
The house will feel that after the severe distress which
Ireland had to undergo a very few years back, and the
prolongation of that distress to a very recent period, she
is entitled to any measure we can propose which will tend
to the greater improvement and industry of that country.
It has been already resolved by this house that two bills
relating to the question of landlord and tenant in Ireland
should be referred to a select committee. I have now to

state that it is the intention of the Chief Secretary for Ire-
land to take his seat in the house in a few days, and that
he will propose the nomination of that committee, placing

upon it such members as have given the most attention
to this important subject. We have great hopes by this
means of being able to bring forward a measure which
may be of use, and which may diminish, if not prevent,
future causes of irritation in that country. It is also our
intention to bring forward a measure with respect to
ministers' money. (Hear.) Such are the measures which
Majesty's Government at the present time intend to in-
troduce. There is one other subject upon which I have
no doubt that I shall be asked questions, and is quite
as well that I should now declare what it is the intention
of the Government in regard to it—l allude to the im-
portant subject of the amendment of the representation
of the people of this country. (Hear, hear.) My noble
friend at the head of the Government has already stated
that amendment in the representation of the people
formed part of the measures which it had been in his con-
templation, as well as in my own, to introduce; and I have
now to beg the attention of the house to the few words
which I shall say in reference to the present state of that
question. In 1849, in 1850, and in 1851, the Cabinet
over which I had the honour to preside considered this
question ; and early in 1852 I obtained leave for the
House of Commons to introduce a bill on the subject.
The Government over which I presided, however,
shortly afterwards dissolved, and it has been asserted
that I then stated that I should introduce a more com-
prehensive measure than that which I had submitted to
Parliament. That statement is utterly unfounded. I
never said that I would introduce a measure either more
comprehensive or more restricted. What I did say was
that I was quite ready to reconsider the matter. Now,
sir, the question occurs of whether it was the duty of
the present Government to propose that the various sub-
jects to which I have ailuded should be laid aside, and
to endeavour to obtain the renewal of the income-tax for
one year more on its former footing, in order that we
might devote our whole time to a measure on the sub-
ject of parliamentary representation. Now, Ido not say
that it would be impossible in point of time to attend to
a measure of this kind as well as to the others of which
I have spoken. It would have required, no doubt, con-
siderable effect in obtaining information, and very con-
tinual attention and deliberation on the part of the Go-
vernment ; but, sir, considering the present state of
affairs, and considering the inquiries and deliberations
which would have been necessary in order to perfect
such a measure, her Majesty's Government have been
of opinion that that subject ought not to be introduced
in the present session of Parliament. .In arriving at this
conclusion, I think that we have consulted best for the pub-
lic interest, for I believe that if we had given up all other
measures for this purpose we should neither have well con-
sidered what is due to the public welfare nor to public
opinion ; and it is far more likely that a measure intro-
duced at a future time, with all the information which
can be procured on the subject, and with further delibe-
ration will be such as will settle this important question
for a considerable period. At the same time lam far
from wishing, and certainly I could not be a party to
making the necessity of deliberation or any necessity of
inquiry a pretext for delaying a measure on this subject
beyond a certain time. I think, therefore, that imme-
diately upon the commencement of the next session the
Government ought to introduce a measure upon this
important question. (Hear.) We have no intention of
appointing a commission, of inquiry, which I am sure
would only be transferring to others the responsibility
which ought to be entailed upon ourselves. Ido not
believe that this is a proper subject for inquiry by a
commission, and I think that the Government have it in
their own power to procure all the information that they
may require. (Hear, hear.) There is but one thing
further to which I have to call the attention of the
house ; it is with respect to the complaints which have
been made, and I fear justly made, of acts of bribery and
corruption which have prevailed during the late elec-
tions. (Hear, hear.) Supposing that these' complaints
and accusations are well founded, I will say that there
is no defect in our Parliamentary representation which
is so destructive to public virtue, and so destructive of
the credit of our representative constitution, aso those
acts of bribery. (Hear, hear.) With respect t many
of these cases, investigations before select committees
will prove whether the complaints that are made be
true or not ; and I think we shall be better able to judge
after these investigations have been made, and after the
committees have reported on the nature
and extent of
the evil, whether any further legislation is necessary. I
will now only say, therefore, that without pledging ledgin
the
gour-
selves to bring forward any measure on the subject,
case is one which, in the opinion of her Majesty's Go-
vernment, is of the very highest importance, and that,
in order to purify our representation, no efforts should
be spared. (Hear, hear, and loud cheers.)
Mr. HAYTER gave notice that to-morrow (this day)
the Chancellor of the Exchequer would move to bring in
a bill to authorise advances from the consolidated fund
to discharge money borrowed for metropolitan improve.
ments on the security of the Crown estates, and to charge
the same on the London-bridge approaches fund ; that
on Monday, the 14th, the Lord-Advocate of Scotland
would move to bring ins bill to facilitate procedure in
Sheriffs' Courts in Scotland ; that on Tuesday, the 15th,
Mr. Peel would move to bring in a bill to enable the
Legislature of Canadato make provisions concerning the
clergy reserves ; that on Friday, the 18th, Sir James
Graham would bring forward the navy estimates in Com-
mittee of Supply ; that on Tuesday, the 22d, Mr. Card-
well would move to bring in a bill to amend the law re-
lating to pilotage ; and that on the same day Lord John
Russell would move for a committee of the whole house
to take into consideration certain civil disabilities affect-
ing the Jews.
IRISH CONSOLIDATED ANNUITIES.
Mr. F. FFRENCH. observed that there was a subject
in which the interests of Ireland were deeply concerned
on which the noble lord had not touched. He begged to
ask, had the Government come to any decision as to the
course they would pursue in reference to the unanimous
report of a committee of the other house with respect to
the Irish Consolidated Annuities ?
Lord J. RUSSELL was understood to say that the
subject was under the consideration of the Government,
and that any proposition which they might have to make
respecting it they would give due notice of.
Colonel SIBTHORP—There is a report current that
the present Government is pledged to give up going
further with respect to the Ecclesiastical Titles
Bill.
(Hear, hear, and a laugh.) I beg to ask the noble
lord if it his intention to proceed any further with
that which was considered a most important measure 2
(Laughter.)
Lord J. RUSSELL—I do not quite understand the
question of the hon. and gallant member ; but, if he will
repeat it, I will endeavour to answer it.
Colonel SIBTHORP.—The question I am anxious to
ask the noble lord is this,--whether it is his intention to
give up that measure, which was formerly considered
one of the greatest importance, in reference to the in-
sidious attempts of certain individuals (such as Cardinal
Wiseman), and whether he means to proceed further with
that most important bill with respect to that religion to
which he ,professed to be particularly attached ? (A.
laugh.)

Lord J. RUSSELL.—I hope I understand the hon.
and gallant gentleman's question. I understand him to
allude to the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill [Colonel Sib-
thorp.—" Yes. "J If he alludes to that measure, I have
to say there is no intention to make any proposition
with respect to it. (Hear, hear.)
Colonel SIBTHORP.—Then, Sir, I give notice that I
will call attention to it on a future day, and see how far
the noble lord has forfeited his promises. (" Order,
order.")
Sir H. WILLOUGHBY inquired whether it was in-
tended to take any step with respect to the income tax
till after Easter ?
Lord J. RUSSELL was understood to say, in reply
that the Chancellor of the Exchequer would state what'
were the intentions of the Government on that subject
when he made his statement immediately after the Easter
recess.

Sir J. DUKE asked if the Government intended to
put a stop to the seriolis evils, to which he could bear his
hpousesersonain l testimon
the metropolis ?, arTing from the extension of betting-
Lord PALMERSTON—I am aware that the subject
is one which has excited considerable attention, and there
is great foundation probably for the opinion of the hon.
member that much evil has been produced by those
houses ; but at the same time he may be aware that the
subject is involved in very great difficulty, and after a
great deal of consideration I confess I have not yet
satisfied my own mind with respect to any practical
measure that would answer the purpose in view without
going beyond the object. At the same time, it is a sub-
ject to which I am still giving my attention. (Hear,
hear.)
Sir J. GRAHAM brought up the navy estimates,
which were laid on the table.
THE ECCLESIASTICAL COURTS.
Mr. BRIGHT inquired whether Government intended
to propose any measure this session for the reform,
or, what would be infinitely better, for the abolition of
the ecclesiastical courts ? He understood that some pro-
mise had been made to that effect.
Lord J. RUSSELL observed, that a commission had
been inquiring into the system of these courts, and that
it would be desirable to obtain their report. Imme-
diately on obtaining that report the Government in-
tended to make a proposal with respect to those courts.
(Hear.)
The SPEAKER informed the house that he had re-
ceived an intimation that the petition against the return
in the Bradford election case would not be proceeded
with.

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL gave notice that he
would move on Monday next for leave to bring in a bill
for regulating the office of Examiner in Chancery.
The house adjourned at ten minutes past six o'clock.

HIGH PRICE OF NEGROES.—At a public auction
on Thursday, Thomas Ryan and Son sold fifteen likely
negroes for 10,365 dollars, or an average of 691 dollars.
Three boys, aged about 17, brought the following
sums :-1,065 dollars, 1,035 dollars, 1,010 dollars, and
two 1,000 dollars ; making on an average of 1,022 dollars.
Capers and Heyward sold a gang of 109 negroes in fami-
lies. Two or three families averaged from 1,000 to 1,100
dollars for each individual; and the entire sale averaged
550 dollars. C. G. Whitney sold two likely female house
servants, one at 1,000 dolls., the other at 1,190 dolls.--
Charleston Courier, Jan, 22.