The Sun.
London, England, 1849-06-26 00:00:00

TrITPD RFAPTWIS.

rated J ys
! ft): C,17:-
men Otliceri).
Taff Vale Railway (Extension in Merthyr Tydsl).
Tyne River Conservancy.
Estate.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS.
The following Rilirts were considered and agreed to:
Airdrie Police and Municipal Bill.
Flimwi-11 Vent to Hastings Turnpike Road Bill.
PETITIONS.
_

The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex appeared at
the bar and presented a petition from the Lord Mayor,
Aldermen, and Corporation of the City of London in
favour of the Binkruptcy Bill ; also a petition against
the Marriage Bill.
Mr. LAW presented a petition from the Irish Society
against the Leisehold Tenure of Lands (Ireland) Bill,
and praying to be heard by counsel at the bar of the
House.

Mr. DEEDES presented petitions from Bromley and
other places against trading in seduction and prosti-
tution.
Mr. W. BROWN presented a petition from Manches-
ter in favour of the Bankruptcy Bill.
Mr. HALE presented a petition from "Gloucester
against the Attorney's certificate duty.
Mr. ALEXAN DER HASTIE presented a petition
from Glasgow against the Marriage Bill.
Mr. CARDWELL presented a petition from Liver-
pool, suggesting a clause to be inserted into the Bank-
ruptcy Bid, with respect to the arrest of debtors.
Mr. H. BROWN presented a petition from Stirling
in favour of the Health of Towns (Scotland) Bill.
COLLIERY EXPLOSION A r ST. HELEN'S.
Mr. WYLD begged to ask the Secretary of State if
he had received any official intelligence respecting the
explosion of a coal mine at St. Helen's, which happened
a day or two ago?
Sir GEORGE GREY said ho had not received any
intelligence, official or otherwise, of any accident of that
kind at St. Helen's, though ho had beard of the cir-
cumstance.
Mr. WYLD then asked (as we understood) if the
Right Hon. Baronet would have any objection to lay on
the table of the House the official correspondence re-
specting the explosion at Hebburn.
Sir GEORGE GREY said he would shortly lvy the
papers o❑ the table of the House.
PETITION OF MR. HERCULES HARRIS.
Mr. ANSTEY presented a petition from Mr. Hercules
Harris, a member of the Irish bar, who stated he was
counsel for the plaintiff iii a late action of replevin. The
action had reference to the recovery of a poor-rate; and
the petitioner complained that, having prepared a plea
questioning the legality of the rate for which the distress
was levied, the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
in Dublin refused to allow the plea to be argued.
INCUMBERED ESTATES (IREL AND) BILL.
Mr. OSBORNE asked the Noble Lord at the head of
the Government if he had any objection to state to the
[louse who were the three Commissioners whom he pro-
posed to appoint under the Incumbered Estates (Ireland)
Bill?
Lord JOHN RUSSELL hoped to be able to do so
before the session closed.
THE IRISH CHURCH.
Mr. ROCHE wished to ask the Hen. Member for
Montrose a quesion relative to two motions on the
paper for the 10th of July. Hie Hon. Friend, the
Member for Middlesex, had a motio❑ on the ',slier refer-
ring to the Irish Church; and his Hon. Frieno, the Mem -
bcr for Montrose, had a motion o❑ the paper before that
relating to British Guiana. Now the question he wished
to ask the Hon. Member was, whether he would give
way in favour of the motion for an inquiry into the state
of the Irish Church.
Mr. HUME said ne man was wore anxious that the
question of the lri-h Church should be speedily disposed
of than he was, but it must be remembered that the
Government of British Guiana was at a stand-still, and
he therefore could not give way, unless Government
would give him a day for his own motion.
Mr. REYNOLDS suggested that the Hon. Member
could bring his motion on to-morrow.
Mr. HUME could not do that; but he would discharge
his notice,, and bring the motion forward on going jute
Supply.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL saiel it must not be sup-
posed that he was a party to this arrangement.
The SPEAKER remarked that it would be irregular
to discharge the notice then.
The subject then dropped.
TRANSPORTATION (IRELAND) BILL.
On the ino Lion for the thi.t d reading of this Bill,
Mr. NAPIER said he should not take up the
time of the House with any lengthened observations at
this stage of the Bill, but he was bound to protest against
this ex post facto mode of legislattug in cases of con-
victed criminals. It was decidedly unconstitutional.
He thought the measure most uncalled for and unconsti
tutional, and he should therefore oppose the third
reading.
Colonel RAWDON also opposed the third reading
of the Bill, and trusted that the House would never
sanction a measure containing such provisions.
Mr. SPOONER said it was his intention to vote
against the Bill. The question involved in it was a
great constitutional one, and it was to his mind
au infraction of the constitution to bring in
any Bill to enact an ex post facto law, and
which, besides, would have the effect of aggravating
leegettei or mitigating use prinlAhalent or the-persons at
whom it was aimed. He complained that no necessity
had been shown for such a measure. It was true doubts
had arisen in the highest legal quarters with respect to
the right of the Crown to transport these parties; but where
doubts existed in such grave cases it was customary to
give the accused the benefit of them.—([Dear, hear.)
The Attorney-General, he believed, had tailed to show
sufficient cause why the House should pass this measure.
Sir GEORGE GREY said, that as far as he could see
both the Honourable Gentleman who had just spoken
had arrived at the conclusion that the case was so
clear that there was no need of discussion about
it. The Honourable Gentleman had said that
this Bill had come before the House sanctioned by
the opinions of the high judicial authorities of the land,
but he assured the House that no hesitation had existed
in the minds of these authorities; but as there were
said to be doubts existing on the subject, they had ad-
vised that such a 1311 should be introduced. He must
remind the House again that the position in which these
parties stood was that of men whose lives were forfeited
to the laws of the country. It is only at this moment by
the mercy of the Crown that they are at pie sent able to
petition. He must say that it was quite a mistake to
bay that this Bill was intended as au aggravation of
punishment.
Mr. FEARGUS O'CONNOR said he quite agreed
with the regret which had been expressed by
an Hon. Gentleman that so much extraneous
matter had been introduced into this debate.
He had refrained from mingling in this debate
as he did from all Irish debates. He thought it would
be better if this matter were confined entirely to the
Gentleman who had managed the measure.
SHARMAN CRAWFORD wished to separate
the matter from Ireland and Irish Members, and
to argue it on constitutional grounds.—(Hear, hear.)
The tact was that the House had untertaken to interpose
between the prisoners and the courts of law. Ile would
appeal to those Members who were in the habit of sup-
porting the rights of the Crown. He would appeal to
the Hon. Member for Sheffield; and this appeal he
might safely make, as although he was largely interested
iu Ireland, he represented u large constituency which
was purely British, and he trusted that it would be re

spudded to rightly.—(Loud cries of "Divide, divide.")
Mr. REYNOLDS said, that as this was the last time
when he should have an opportunity of speaking upon
this question, as this was the last means that could be
adopted before this measure passed into law, as this was
the last act of the drama, he was, he confessed, surprised
at the endeavours which were madu to prevent one Iri,h
Member from speaking. He was anxious to say that in
voting against this Bill they were not voting against an
act of mercy. The contrary was the case. So long as
the prisoners were to be confined within the realm less
ground of complaint would remain, but such was not
likely to be the case. Did tho Chancellor of
the Exchequer ever attempt to put the expenses
of this prosecution on the debit side of
the account he would be a little more careful of in-
curring any further. He had no hesitation in saying
that the attempt of the Government to put down five
men had not cost less than a million of the public
money.—(tlear, hear.) Why, had they not been
obliged to keep upwards of 30,000 troops in the
country? That body of men had cost upwards of half
a million, and it was proved that the army had cost more
than it did two years before. Taking those with the
cost of the constabulary, and the other necessary ex-
penses, it would appear that he had not been guilty
of any great exaggeration in making this
statement. Having stated this much on this the last
op-
portunity of opposing the Bill, he should oiler no further
opposition to it, and content himself with simply recoed-
ing his vote.

The House then divider', when there appeared—
For the amendment 27
Against it ... 159
Majority
_132
Mr. ANSTEY moved as an amendment, at line 15, of
page 1, to omit the word " transportation," and insert
" imprisonment during the Queen's pleasure, or banish-
ment." There could be no doubt that transportation
was a worse punishment than death itself. He
would not inquire how far confinement during the
Queen's pleasure fell short of that; a few years or a few
months might determine it, but by the large construction
of the words it might extend to the natural lire of
those unfortunate gentlemen. The Bishop of Tasmania
stated in his report, for which he received the thanksn of
Earl Grey, that although the system of punishment now
followed in Van Diemen's Land was superior
atonoamnyinattioai
had preceded it, yet it had given rise tornoi.s_s.
e
practices, and that nothing but a commission b:1'"
inquiry from England, with full
in-
vestigation would ever bring
said,
theeePfraiwroet,lY to light.
The Honourable Gentleman
prisoners' barracks at lio-
Prilse°,,st possible way of
ing crimes that ever stained the character of Man
hart
te
'Townperpetrated
without n t hneo
:gynas tnaedimr.iwtSalstiCtilhni deOoh'fßeurinimeini
q ty it was not • and
preventing them."
ftpo,ocstmshittibttyl
noftfo:pmutnhissilho
tiinuefiseilte:ntnisois;tin)tuthrog.i shTc rcl3)n)nfiesel
exceptalti(erifiiar
n the beeretar of S
from
th© Right nonGentletmhbeayrehdiusn:a,,ritns;
the system in whir h
dwkir'er.reteinltsutottisFuebt;tituntee
on their arrival, cessarily
ftahveolluromoef aDn'yijaorntme ecnotntet
Pleasure for (Mr. Anstey) proposed
imprisonment during Q
all.
trans-
portation for life. He hoptd the lion. Baronet (Sir
Molesworth) did not Consider that there was a differ-
ence between Irish, English, an,l American rebels—nay
more, that the latter should be rewarded.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL opposed the motion.
These poops having been eonviowd of high treason, and

/7,1,,,
ro`.7

tit
i:ower ro.:t to do so, C:e tieverfiretnt wioned to
the C-overnment to adopt, two eourFes tvith respect to
persons who had thus been committed of high
treason, namely, either to hang cr to imprison
them. Now the argument was so absurd that
he was sure it would not avail with that
House. The Government merely wizlit.d to assimilate
the Irish to the English law in this respect; and he
trusted the House would do noshing to restrict the pre-
reg4tive of mercy.
Mc. LAWLESS inquired what might be done by the
Gov; rement after these parties had been transported ?
The ATTORNEY GENERAL replied that it would
be most improper to answer the question.—( Hear.)
After some observations from Dr. POWER and Mr.
DICKSON, strangers were ordered to withdraw, and the
House divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment 2l
Against it
Aljority against it
The amendment was accordingly lost.
Oa the question that the Bill do now pass having bee
put, _

Mr. LAWLESS said that although he opposed the
Bill, no mere loyal, man existed than himself, and now
that the measure was carried. he once more felt it to be
his duty to implore her Majesty's Ministers to show
mercy towards the prisoners.
Lord J. RUSSELL said although there had been
much said in the course of this debate that might natu-
rally have led to the expression of strong opinions of
the offence of which those persons had been found
guilty—that of high treason—yet he th,nght that the
House generally would agree with him that her Majesty's
Ministers had carefully abstain( d from s tying anything
to characterise the offence. Ile must say that they had
so refrained in spite of the temptations, or rather the
prevoca ion offered to them in the speeches of some
[lon. Members, which raised the opinion that the cha-
racter of the offence was inconsistent with the charge of
the judge and the verdict of the jury. He had only to
say that he believed the advice which had been given to
her Majesty was that of mercy—(hear, hear)—and
that in awarding punishment, the feeling of Government
was not a vindictive one; but a feeling that, it the
punishment were lighter than the off2nce merited, they
would be chargeable with not taking proper precautions
for the peace of Ireland. However painful it might be
to them to inflict a severe sentence, they bad no alterna-
tive but to award such a punishment as would afford s
warning against the repetition of an offence which would
endanger the tranquillity and security of Ireland.
The Bill, after a few words from Mr. ANSTEY, wag
then passed.

- POOR RELIEF (IRELAND) BILL.
The House then went into Committee on the Poor
Relief (Ireland) Bill; Mr. Bernal in the chair.
Yr. STAFFORD rose and said that they were at a
loss to know at what stage they should commence this
Bill, owing to the absurd course pursued by the Hon.
Member (Mr. John O'Connell) in moving the excluaion
of strangers. With respect to the maximum rate pro-
poied by the Bill, he was opposed to it, seeing that it
had failed in this country. He found that the debt of
all the unions in Ireland amounted to somewhere about
6,500,000/., and that the money was chit fly owing by the
most distressed unions, and by this maximum rate they
show to the unions they should not have the support of
their own poor. For these rtast-,ns he must take the
sense of the Committee against this clause.
Mr. J. O'CONNELL said the Hon. Gentleman had
an opportunity of inflictinff upon the House a second
time an additional proof of his self-sufficiency, prosiness,
and emptiness. He looked upon the maximum rate as
being too high.
Sir JOHN YOUNG supported the proposition of the
Government. g,, suegt stud that, in addition to the al"
vantages to be aff .rded to the poor in Ireland, mid. r this
Bill, they should also increase the facilities of the work'
houses in Leland. Ile considered indoor relief the best
and nee, scary mode of alleviating the distress. The
distribution of food out of doors preserved lite; but, OS
they were without clothing, they were exposed to at'
tacks of disease which was fatal in their state of desil'
tution.

Mr. CLEMENTS said he did not think the maximum
rate of seven shi lines before aid was extended was not
sufficient guarantee, because all that was required W96'
that due diligence should be used in the collection of die
maximum rate of seven shillings in the pound. Vie
electoral division was, under this Bill, bound to contra'
bute two shillings in the pound upon the net annual
value, beyond the five shillings for local necessities.
'ibis would have the effect of preventing capitalists iron
investing money in the cultivation of the land. In fact'
this Bill, which provides for extraneous aid. had pre"
vented a party from purchasing an estate in Ulster, be-
cause he was unwilling to incur the responsibility of being
liable to contribute poor rates to districts over which he
had no control. The great evil at present was,
that the
people of Ireland could not see their way out of their
difficulties, and this rate of two shillings upon the union
would increase that, and, therefore, he should give 1313
support to the amendment.
Mr. FAG AN said he considered this proposed in-
creased rating had the effect of throwing ground out of
cultivation. He thought it was necessary to have a malc-
itnutn rate fixed, and for that reason he had, and would
continue to support the proposal of the Government.
Mr. H. HERBERT said he wood gladly accept the
guarantee, but he did not consider it worth more than
the paper it wetg written upon. They bad resources
now left; they would not revert to the con-acre. The
fermi rs could not, as formerly, support the poor by vo-
luntary charity, because they were themselves reduced
to a distressed condition. Neither could the gentrY
afford relief from want of means. It was therefore fal-
lacious to say, as the Noble Lord had done, that when
they reached the maximum they might return to theif,
former resources. Unless the Noble Lord at the bead
of the Government gave them a guarantee as to what ebe
should do when the maximum rate was exhausted; 00
certainly should vote for the amendment of his Hon*
Friend.
Mr. GROGAN support9d the amendment. They
were, in his opinion, doing a most serious injury to til i
people of Ireland, by legislating for them as if the'
whole of the country was like the western portion of t,"
when the facts were otherwise. He denounced the 21
union rate to be raised, in addition to the 5,4er as most
mischievous, and for his part he preferred 75., or even
s
93. in the pound at once, to the plan now proposeua.
It was quite clear the mepsure proposed had not give_
confidence to the people, for emigration was going 0'
this year even more rapidly than the last.
Sir DENIIAM NORREYS believed, that had the
measure suggested last year by the Irish Members to
havetlle
Government been adop ed, emigration would not
gone on as it had since done, or be so much increased in
the present year. Then as to the objection raised that
the maximum rate proposed by the Bill would not be
sufficient, he had only to refer the House to what
ou,
been already collected. Of 130 unions in Ireland, out.
the
the entire number there was not one in which 7s. in. t.n_h
pound was collected; there were only seven in w.nlec..
ss. in the pound was got in and eleven in which "
was expended. The argument of the Hon. Member for
Leitrim was that 7s. in the pond weurd not restore cone
tidpitee, but surely if that were to bo the result what must
be the consequence if an unlimited rate was to be pro-
posed. He contended that a maximum rate, such as
that proposed by the Hon. Member for the City of Dube
lin would be most disastrous, and for his part it appeared,
t r him to be impossible that the social and moral condi-
tion of the people of Ireland could improve unless con-
fidence were restored, which could only ba done by su.ch
a measure as that now proposed.
Sir JOHN WALSH complained that the House was
one et favouredMember during the
~fherm Majesty'se
dtrate withAiinitshe turso.piniim of
lie
es
believednny
that in a large portion of Ireland the maximum, rate
would not be required at all—but in the distressed unions
it would be perfectly nugatory. Some limit, how-
ever, he contended, ought to be put to the claims
of those who demanded relief, or the whole frame
of society would be destroyed.—(Gear, hear.) The
poor-law had added to that destitution and misery in
Ireland which it was intended to lessen. It appeared to
him to be impossible not to conclude, from the papers
before the House, three-fourths of the distress bad been
created by the leve ing of the rates. The peasantry were
reduced to beegary by the mode adopted for relieving
the public distress. He bad only risen to explain w
he had come to a conclusion dff .rent to that of some
of
his friends with whom he usually acted, aud that he
intended to vote for the maximum rate proposed -bY
Government.
Mr. CORNWALL LEWIS said that the Hon.
Member who had just addressed the House had com-
plained that no member of the Government had risen to
express his opinions on the question before them;
but he
would remind the Hun. Member that it was the less.;
necessary that should be done at present, as Government
had already expressed its views on the subject. Their
had, however, had tee advantage that evening of hearinit;
the matter discussed by several Irish Members; but b e
confessed that be had beard no answer given to fat)
speech of the Hon. Member for Cavan (Sir J.eff7 .r g).
It had been contended that there was nu precedent a
maximum rate. In the case of theasnu
bPjsiegochft
,awaraldli rahat :et awha
other England there was a maximum rate, and
s
Member for
a precedent., but it was on a_ai dbrffbeyretnh e,
precedent.giiaoLTn
.dht!eee
there
stvi
as
no
precedent was that referredc
mitted it was not therefore
fixed in the last cen-
tury another
Northampton. and he (Mr.
.Lwewei,s_)ssvuor_urledycall attention
to this
maximum rate,
a maximumAract was as d
county aUte,ndbeurt hneet thoeaodcr
bjuaenet
ny tol.
In 1796 an
" lessening the maxi-
tyre..
d in 1812, at the period of the greatest depreci-
mum, an
further depreciation
atimi of the currencAy,btahnezwil
jags a
of the maximum.
dent, and admitting that the the question of prece-
question of :a maximum
most rest on its own
peettiliazgrounds, he would call at-
tention to the
eTarindelitabri ilhi(d
a portThon, ufto for a
thea
south series years,ohfasbe
en
the west of Ir
pieced, tenants leaving their America,
n g houses,themselves
over
goi n g to
parts of Ireland. Landlords could not get their rentee
and that country almost resembled the condition of one
Subjected to an invading army. Suggestions were coin-
iwlousnicated to Government from various quarters, that it
B_, necessary to fix a rate beyond a hich taxation
hated not go, or otherwise it nas felt that the land
%mild not btu cultivated. Acing on the advice of the
Nor-law Commissioners and persons having local
knowledge, the Government had come to the determi-
nation of fixing a maximum rate. If a rate of five shil-
lings had been rarely collected in the distressed unions
they could hardly expect that a rate of five shillings
could be increased. Therefore, by fixing a rate of five
shillings, and a rate in-aid of two shillings, they gave a
confidcneo to ratepayers that, whatever might be the
exigencies of future years, a rate of taxation beyond.
that would not be imposed. He thought the fears of '
Hon. Metubt rs on that subject had been greatly exag
gerated. The necessity of restoring confidence in the
southern and western unions was never of more import-
allot) than at the present moment. Wll9 g 913.

t ''"

,~... „ .

r r • ' . -
Ciesenittee, eie the purp ise of eliewieg the thetress tha
p- evaded in the union et Skibbeieen, and in the western
unions gen dilly. It, would, perhaps, he too sanguine,
he thought, to expect very mob good from any one
measure.—(Hear, heir.) That was only to be expected
from a well regulated combination of measures—(l-Tear,
hear)—but he might observe that the present proposition
bad been well received by public opinion in Ireland as a
contribution of some amount of good. The lion. Mem-
ber then referred to the opinion which had been ex-
pressed by the Hon. Member for Radnorshire (Sir J.
Walsh). namely, that the mode of levying the rates had
increased the distress in Ireland, an opinion, be said,
from which he altogether dissented. Whatever force it
had been found necessary to use in collecting the rates,
he would maintain that whatever had been done, had
been done with the laudable desire of husbanding the
resources.—(Hear. hear.)
Mr. HORSII AN thought they should discuss the
Government measure as a whole. The Hon. Gentle-
man admitted that there was no precedent for what he
proposed. The object of the measure was to assist the
agricultural interest in Ireland, but he (Jr. Horsman)
did not see any connexion between the means and the
end propesed. He had gone through the evidence, and
he found that the witnesses were against the maximum
of a ss. rate. Of nine Government inspectors seven
were against the union rate. Mr. Twieseltoe, in several
parts of his evidence, said that he disapproved greatly of
a union rate. Of other witnesses 14 out of IS were
against the Government measure. Taking the measure
as a whole, it was condemned by the great body of the
witnesses. It misconceived entir, ly the principle of a
poor law, which was not to feed paupi rism, but to reduce
it; but the present measure made no provision for re-
ducing pauperism. It also violated the principle of a
poor-law. If they reduced the rate while they reduced
pauperism it would be a different thing; but they did
not do so, and they might rely upon it that capitalists
were aware of that. He knew from many witnesses
'examined before the Committee of the House of Com-
mons that the maximum rate could not be carried be•
cause of the difference of population and area as con-
trasted with England. He considered that what did not
succeed in England could not be supposed to succeed in
Ireland, particularly when Ireland was labouring under
the potato disease. Ile felt assured that this
Bill would not be the means of advancing the interests
of Ireland. He thought that the able-bocred people of
Ireland should get the opportunity of employment, and
that those who are incapable should be supp irted by the
workhouse. He was strongly opposed to any poor-law
without a test, and considered that Parliament had legis-
lated badly with respect to Ireland, and felt convinced
that Government had carried measures against justice
and sympethr.
Lord J. RUSSELL said that the diff Tent Honourable
Gentlemen who hid sp-ken on this subject had confined
themselves to to the maximum rate, but the Honourable
Gentleman who spoke last (Mr. Hoesenan) was of a dif-
ferent opinion. Discouragement and alarm at the increase
of the p ser-rate would be found, he thought, to have been
created, for the most part, in the distressed districts. d
If,
therefore, they proposed a limit to the rate, they woul
be giving confidence to those who owned and cultivated
the land. He was persuaded. too, that an unlimited
amount of poor rate did not aff ird an unlimited amount
of relief to the poor. It was a fallacy to suppose that it
could. He was averse to enter into any consideration of
the principle of the poor-law in general, but he would
remind the House that the state of Ireland, when this
measure was introduced into that country. was very dif
ferent to that of England in the time of Elizabeth. The
recklessness and neelieence which had had been attri-
buted to this law, and upon which it had been attempted
to account for a large increase of poverty, was not, in
fact, the real cause of it, but imprudent marriages, and
absolute improvidence and disregard of the future
were sufficient to explain it. His belief was, that the
declaration of a maximum would be productive of useful
results, which it would be to the advantage of Ireland to
promote. He had constantly deprecated the evils of
over potato cultivation, but he could not concur in the
opinion, that the restoration of the potato crops in Ire-
laod would be a disgrace to British legislation.
After a few words in explanation from Mr. C.
LEWIS.
Mr. HENRY DRUMMOND said, that the poor of
Ireland had always been in a different situation to those
of England, so far as the sources were concerned from
which they derived their relief. The suppression of the
religious houses, which deprived the latter of their
chief means of support, did not to the same extent effhet
those of Ireland. If they wanted to try experiments,
we were the people whom they ought to have experi-
mented upon; but they ought not to rely upon the un-
founded theories that emanated from Somerset House.
backed by the leaders of the Manchester school, who
Were utterly ignorant of the exigencies of the country.
--(Hear, hear, and laughter.)
Mr. P. SCROPiI said he very much objected to the
enactment of a maximum rate, which could never come
into practical operati in.
Sir H. W. BARRON said that nothing could be more
fallacious than arguments based upon the average of
rates struck in diff.irent districts, because in many of the
electoral divisions in Ireland it amounted to a perfect
confiscation of the property. In some of these a sum
equivalent to a rate of 40s. in the pound had been ex-
pended. He scarcely knew how to vote on this occasion;
but, upon the whole, he was inclined to give his support
to the clause, because he thought it safer to support the
principle of the maximum.
Mr. R. M. FOX. said he felt there was a point in Ire•
land where individual liability should cease, and the
public responsibity come iu, But in Ireland they made
the man who did his duty pay for the man who neglected
his duty. He had several times made the calculation as
to where:the public reeponsibility should come in, and he
upon the whole felt inclined to support the rating ot 53.
. in the pound as a maximum.
Mr. MONSELL said it seemed to him impossible to
overrate the question before the House. He thought that
the proposition of the Noble Lord would have a directly
contrary effect from that intended. It was admitted that
in many places the maximum must he exceeded.
Amongst the whole of the witnesses examined by the
Poor-law Committee, not one of them supported the
proposition of the Noble Lord. He thought that this
proposition would render industry and self denial almost
hopeless, and therefore he begged of the notice summa-
rily to reject the motion.
Mr. ROCHE said that great as the distress was in
Ireland, it would be much greater were it not for the
poor-law, but it was a mistaee to suppose that a poor-
law could make a poor country prosperous. Now, the
question was, did the present proposition improve or de-
teriorate the existing law 'e He thought that it would
improve it, and that, therefore it ought to be passed. In-
dividual responsibility looked well upon paper, but it
was a proposition that could not be maintained or car-
ried out. They could not individualise responsibility in
Ireland.
Colonel DUNNE said that this clause provided that
no man should be taxed more than 53. for the support of
the poor, and he thought such a maximum rate would be
extremely beneficial. He should give his cordial support
to the Bill. lie held in his hand returns of twenty
unions in Ulster, and of those unions thirteen were in
favour of the maximum rate, and to that rate he should
give his cordial support.
Mr. SPOONER rose amid loud cries of " time," and
expressed his disapproval of the clause, on the ground
that the English people would have to pay the deficiency.
Sir ARTHUR BROOKE considered this a question
!great importance to Ireland. They might depend
upon it that much of the money must come out of the
Consolidated Fund, and it was for that reason that he
should give his warmest support to the Bill.—(Much.
laughter.) He, however, did nut think that the maximum
rate was high enough. The maximum rate of ss. he con-
sidered, far too low.
The Committee then divided on the question that the
first clause stand part of the Bill—
For the clause ..• ... 178
Against it ..• ••• ••• 51
Mejority ••• ••• •••-127
The clause having been agreed to, the House resumed.
On the motion of Lord JOHN RUSSELL,
The CHAIRMAN reported progress, and asked leave
to sit main, and it was arranged that the question should
be resumed this diy.
Mr. FORBES M•KENZIE, on the Marriage (Scot-
land) Bill having been brought on, objected to the Bill
bein taken at that late hour. It was a Bill of great
importance. and to which the people of Scotland were
opposed almost to a man.
A discussion ensued, in which
Mr. DUNCAN said there was not a single petition in
favour of this Bill, and he trusted that the English and
Irish Members would not sit and luck on quietly while
it was attempted to piss this most obnoxious Bill.
On the suggestion of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, it
was arranged that the Bill should be btought tip on
Wednesday next for further consideration and fordis-
cussion.
The Australian Colonies Bill was, after a short dis-
cussion, withdrawn by Mr. HAWES, in order that he
might introduce another measure of a more perfect kind
on the subject.
THE JUVENILE OFFENDERS AND PETTY
LARCENI BILL.
On the motion that this Bill be read a second time,
Mr. CHARLES PEARSON roee and objected to the
Bill being brought forward at that late hour of the
night. It was a most important Bill, involving the eum.
ine, of juvenile offenders. The
mall, conviction and flogg
system of flogging had been tried, and they had it on
the authority of the Chairman of the aid dlesex
ity Sessioits
ns
that notwithstanding the frequency e sever of
application, the juvenile offenders increased in
increa the l
sed
ast
year from 898 to 1.240. He found they had
in England and Wales in the last year in the same pro
portion, and more than the ratio increase of crimehad
They had on record instances of children who
been imprisoned, flogged, discharged, taken, and again
and again flogged, twice, three times,-aay, four, five,
and six times during the year; and yet the Govern
ment were clinging to and pereevering in this
system. If it could be found that the system of
flogging had been reformatory of those floggvd, theta
might be some ground for a perseverance in in it; but
when that was not the fact, when they ho.l it on the
authority of magistrates that offenders so punished wer
on the increase, he considered that the mea--ure now be-
fore the House was not a wise one. The childre
wanted care and control to reform them from those
habits of idleness which were attributable to the neglect
of their parents; and he considered that it was most un-
just to enact laws to punish children for faults which
were attributable to the neglect of their parents and of
pariehes.—(lleac, hear.) There was a mode of dealing
with the parents. Take away from them the induce-
ment to set them a bad example. As the law now stood
if the parent adds to destitution the evil of bad education
he can shah off his responsibility on the country, or
the pariah, the duty of supperting the child he has thus
driven into crime. He would make the parent feel the
consequences of his misconduct. He would like to know
whether it was intended to make the Consolidated Fund
bear the CQA of supporting the criminals convicted under

Anstey,

Browne, R. D.
Butler. P. s•-.
Crawford, W. S.
Devereux, John T.
Dickson,pougl as, Ssairmcu.el
Dunne, Francis P.
Fagan, W.
French, F.

MINORITY-NOES, 27.

THE STJN,

rccri.cr,J,-701 tti tt,,rney-rlce-reral Wa
not a,erse to coasri.o.int! .i.e f.,urtter,
sixteen years in lace. lie wr,s wiliing t. take
the question in C.. mniittce, if it was considered a
matter of detail, t.O otherwise, if it involved tha prin-
ciple of the bill, he should feel bound to oppose it at
that stage.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the objection of
the Hon. Member was to a detail rather than the prin-
ciple, and therefore it was open to discussion at a fu-
ture str.ge. With respect to the cost of prosecutions,
there was at present no legal objection by Act of Par-
liament to bear the costs out of the Consolidated Fund.
The county rates were still due ; but a vote for the pur-
pose was annually made from the Consolidated Fund,
and that practice would be continued. He should be
quite prepared to meet all the objections to this Bill.
Mr. HENLEY thought the principle of this 1111 was
of too important a cheractrr, and too wide in its opera-
tion, to be so summarily discussed and disposed of. In
fact, it took away a groat number of cases trom trial by
jury, and handed them over to the summary jurisdiction
of the magistrates. They had already passed an Act of
the same kind, and he thought the two years' experi-
ence they had of that Act was too short to warrant them
in going further at prespnt,
Sir J. PARING roN defended the Act for juvenile
offenders, passed two years ago, and only regretted that
it had not at once drawn the line at the age of
sixteen instead of the age of fourteen.—(Hear.) He
thanked the Learned Attorney-General for having
restored the provision he had originally introduced in
a Bill, which had been found to work well ; and
he also thanked him tor having introduced a summary
jurisdiction into the present measure. He gave his hearty
consent to the principle of the Bill, with the understand-
ing that counties wou!d be placed in the same position
with respret to the costs of these prisoners as they were
under the present. law.
Sir G. GREY said that was a matter for consideration
in the Committee.
The Bill was then read a second time.
CLERGY RELIEF BILL.
Mr. BOUVERIE moved the consideration of the
amendments to this Bill.—(No, no.) The fault was that
of the House and not his. If it had not adjourned over
the Derby day, he should have had the Bill through this
stage. Having bad its pleasure, he thought the House
should now do its work.
Mr. MULLINGS sqid he had amendments to pro-
, pose, and if the Hon. Member persisted he would move

them,
BOUV ERIE said the clauses might be proposed
in C.,mmittee.
Mr. GLADSTONE said that even if the Honourable
Memb.,r adopted that suggestion he must object to
the Bill passing in that stage without discussion if'
there were many important questions connected with it,
which he should feel it his duty to call attention to.
Mr. BROTLIERTON moved that the Housa adjourn,
which being put to the House, was declared to be carried,
and the 1-I.,use adjourned accordingly at a Quarter-past
One o'clock.

PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS.

(From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.)
MONDAY. JUNE 25.
TRANSPORTATION FOR TREASON (IRELAND) BILL.
Order for Third Reading read; Motion made, and Question
proposed, " That the Bill be now read the third rim :"
Amendment proposed, to leave out the word " now," and at
the end of the Question to add the words " upon this day
three months :"—Queqion put, " That the word now' stand
part of the Question." The House divided:
MAJORITY—AYES, 159.

Godson, R. O'Brien, Sir Lucius
Grace, 0. D. O'Connell, Joha
Greene, John O'Connor, Feargus
Lawless, Cecil Rawdon, Colonel
Meagher, Thomas Reynolds, John
illation, O'Gorman Roche, E. B.
Monsell, William Sullivan, Michas
3luntz, G. F. TELLERS.
Nugent, Sir Percy Napier, Joseph
O'Brien, J. Spooner, R.

Main Question put, and agreed to :—Bill read a third
time :—Amendment proposed, in page 1, line 15, to leave out
the word " tran,portation," and insert the words " imprison-
ment during the Queen's pleasure, or banishment," instead
thereof: Question. put, " That the word transportation'
stand part of the Bill." The House divided:—

Alderman SIDNEY said, that last year two geneeinen
who had never pat ud ess the office, and never expreteted
a will to fill it. lied lien elected sheriff: without their
knevvlerlge, and had betel fined in the enormous penalty
of 6001. each for declining the honour.—(Hear, hear.)
Now, the Livery hail that day elected two gentlemen of
respectability to fill the office. It was his intention, if fur-
ther proceedings had been adopted, to have voted for Mr.
Nicoll; but how did he know that it was Mr. Peto's wish
to servo the office ? Before he could think of calling a
man away from the engagements of his public or private
life, be would, at any rate, inquire whether he could
accept the office, at the moment, with all
its duties and responsibilities ?—(Hear, hear.) Now,
it happened that the office of sheriff was one of para-
mount responsibility, and it was no jest to thrust a man
into a situation in which he might be amenable for pro-
perty to the amount of upwards of 100,000/., at the mo-
ment that the engagements and circumstances might
present insurmountable impediments to the proper per-
format ce of the duties. Were the Livery sure that Mr.
Peto would serve ?—(" If he will not serve he will pay.")
It was but fair to communicate with a man before he was
put in nomination. That was merely justice. If he had
known that Mr. Pao was willing to serve, not one word
should the Lavery have heard from him that day.—(Hear,
hear.) Mr. Mills, aho had been returned last year
without his knowledge, bitterly complained of the fine
he had to pay for refusing to fill an office which he
never wished to occupy; and surely the citizens of Lon-
don could gain but little honour by dipping their hands
into the pockets of those who did not seek the distinc•
tion, for refusing which they were compelled to submit
to a monstrous tax. He had now explained his object
in coming forward, and he felt that he was justified.
Ahlerrnan HUMPFIERY said that Alderman Sidney
might, if he wished, have demanded the poll in cenjunc-
lion with Mr. Bracher, but now that it was too late he
was anxious to ex aite confusion when all others were
agreed upon the subject.
Mr. Low said the Livery had exercised sound discre-
tion in electing Mr. Pete, who, if he had any objection
to serve, would certainly have no objection to pay the
fine.—(Cheers.) His opinion was that Mr. Peto would
willingly accept the office, and discharge all the duties of
it in an exemplary manner.
Mr. WIRE said he had a duty to perform arising
out of the occurrences of the day. An attempt had
been made to infringe on the privileges of the Livery,
and the meeting was peculiarly indebted to three gentle-
men for protecting their rights. He meant the Lord
Mayor, Alderman and Sheriff Finnis, and Sheriff Good-
hart. To these gentlemen then, for their firmness in re-
sisting the attack, he moved the thanks of the Common
Hall.— (Loud cheering.)
The motion of thanks was carried unanimously amidst
acclamation, and ordered to be advertised in the usual
papers.
The LORD MAYOR, in returning thanks, said it was not
for him to bring any charge of inconsistency against any
of his brother magistrates, but he certainly had too much
regard for the freedom of his fellow-citizens to permit
any infringement of their privileges upon any pretence
whatever.—(Loud cheers.)
The SHERIFFS also returned thanks, and the Hall was
dissolved.

FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE

- -- • --- - - - _ _
CORPORATION OF LONDON.
The following account of the receipt and expenditure
of the Corpuration of the city of London will be read
with interest, it being a draft of the auditors' report

for 1849:
0 June,
whosenames are hereunto subscribed, elected
by the Livery of London in Common-hall assembled, on
th::2W4ceh,lB47, and the 24th of June, 1848,
auditors of the Chamberlain's account of the Corpora-
tion and Gresham funds, and of the Bridge-house estates,
do report as follows:—That the report of the receipt and
expenditure of the Corporation of the city of London
laid before us to audit was the fourth account of Mr.
Anthony Brown, Chamberlain of the city of London,
from the Ist of January to the 31st of December (both
inclusive), which account we have carefully and
thoroughly examined in detaq, and find that the balance
of cash on the preceding account was 26.490/. 15s. 'ad.;
that the receipts of the year 1847 were 172:5601. 12s. 4id.;
that the expenditure of the said year, as appeared by the
several vouchers laid before us by the Chamberlain,
amounted to the sum of 179,8911. 6s. 10td. (including
2,265/. 2s. 10d. applied in the purchase of securities,
and 4,800/ in the discharge of debt, leaving a
balance of cash upon the account of the 31st of De-
cember, 1847, of 19,160/. le. lid. A brief statement
of the several heads of receipt and expenditure we
hereunto append. In the further prosecution of the
examination referred to us, we find that certain debts,
arrears of rent due, and interests on Government secu-
rities, were due and belonging to the Nlayor and com-
monalty and citizens, on the 31st of December, 1847 ;
and that they were at the same time answerable for
debts, claims for interest, charge in respect of public im-
provements, pensions, police, Scc. We have, therefore,
directed a balanced statemeut of such assets and liabili-
ties to be annexed, by which it will be seen that there
was at that period a cash balance in favour of the Cor-
porstion of 90,7701. 14s. 64d., after providing for all
claims and demands, without including the value of the
freehold and leasehold estate of the Corporation. The
Gresham account laid before us to audit was the fourth
account of Mr. Anthony Brown, Chamberlain, being the
produce and expenditure of the City's moiety of the
estate laid under the will of Sir Thomas Gresham,
Knight, from the 10,h of October, 1847, to the 10th of
October,lB4B, which we also examined,and find that the
balance of cash due to the Chamberlain at the commence-
ment of the account was 8731. 3s. Old. ; that the ex-
penditure for the said period was 5,9081. 3s. Odd. ; that
the receipts for the same period was 4,8071. 18s. 11d.,
leaving a balance of cash due to the Chamberlain, on the
account ending the 10th day of October, 1848, of
1,9731. 7s. ltd. We further find that the City's moiety
of the estate was indebted at Michaelmas, 1848, in the
sum of 85,000/. borrowed towards rebuilding the Royal
Exchange after its destruction by fire in the year 1838,
and that it was also indebted to the Corporation 20,0004
remaining of the sum advanced towards rebuilding the
Exchange 'after the fire of 1666, and a further sum of
1,6621. 10s. advanced in 1847. The account of the Bridge-
house estates, laid before us to audit, was the account of
Joseph Watson and David Gibbs, the Bridgemasters or
Wardens, from the Ist of January to the 31st of De-
cember, 1847, which we have also carefully examined,
and find that the balance of cash in hand on the 31st of
December, 1846, was 8144 6s. ltd.; that the rents of
the said estate, and other receipts of the year 1847, were
31,815/. 3s. [lid.; that the disbursements during the
said year (including the sum of 26,0394 15s. paid under
the Acts 7th George IV. c. 40, and 4th William IV., c.
118), in respect of rebuilding London-bridge and re-
' pairing Blackfriars-hridge, amounted to 32,4651. ls. lid.,
leaving a balance in hand on the 31st of December,
1847, of 1641. Bs. 1 ltd. In addition to the sai f balance
of cash in hand we found that there were rents due to
the account on the 31st of December, 1847, amounting
to 12,6704 12s. 84d., and a dividend amounting to Si.
9s. 6d.; also cash, stock, and securities, standing to the
credit of the Bridge .house estates account, as under-
men tionel—namely, 2.311/. 14e. 3d. Consols, in the name
of the Accountant-General of the Court of Chancery,
800/. Exchequer-bills, in the hands of the said Accoun-
tant-Gen.rai, upon which he had SRI. 2s. 3d. for interest;
also 231/. 17s. sd. Reduced Three per Cent. Annuities
in the names of the bridgemasters. We, the auditors,
in concluding this our report, desire to bear testimony to
the clearness and accuracy with which the accounts laid
before us are made out' for our examination, and to the
attention displayed by the official gentlemen who attend
us in the discharge of our duties.
(Signed) " JAMES MADDEN,
" LUCAS HOUGHTON.
" J. G. DUNN.
" WILLIAM WALLIS.
" Guildhall, June 21, 1849.

THE ARTILLERY COMPANY.
Tho annual inspection of the members of the lion.
Artillery Company of the city of London took place in
their grounds, in Finsbury-sq;iare, yesterday, before his
Royal Highness Prince Albert.
A very large number of invitations bad been issued,
and as the day was beautifully fine, the friends of the
members of the company strongly mustered early. The
sp ,ce in front of the artillery ground was crowded with
elegantly-dressed ladies, who took very great interest in
the proceedings of the day.
Shortly after twelve o'clock his Royal Highness, cc-
compaied by Colonel Bouverie and Colonel Phipps, en-
tered the ground in one of the royal carriages, and was
received with a salute from the guns of the company.
which were drawn up in the front of the Artillery-house.
His Royal Highness proceeded on to the ground upon a
beautifully-caparisoned charger, and the review com-
menced.
The corps were put through their evolutions by Ad-
jutant Snell. They marched past the Prince in slow,
quick, and double quick time. They then loaded with
cartridges and performed platoon exercise, in column,
line, and square—the last extremely well managed. The
regiment then advanced in parade order, and at the con-
clusion of the review his Royal Highness complimented
the offi,!ers upon the manner in which the members of
the corps had conducted themselves in their military
exerciges.

His Royal Highness left the ground shortly after one
o'clock.

The review was most satisfactory in itself; we wish
we could extend our praise to the arrangements for the
accommodation of the visitors.

LADY LISTER KAYE'S NEW WORK, " BRITISH
lioains AND FOREIGN WANDERINGS," in 2 vols., is
published this day by air. Colburn, and may be had of
all booksellers. Also, just published-2. Mr. Disraeli's
" Coningsby." cheap Standard Edition, with anew Pre-
face, 1 vol., 6,7. bound. 3. Adventures of a Greek Lady,
the adopted daughter of the late Queen Caroline, writ-
ten by herself, 2 vols., 21s. 4. Captain Marryat's new
novel, " Valerie," 2 vols. 5. King Arthur, by Sir E.
Bulwer Lytton, 2 vols., 155.. 6. Mrs. Trollope's new
novel, " The Lottery of Marriage," 3 vols. 8. Lady
Alice; or, The New Una, 3 vols. •
PRESENT FROM THE ISIA.UM OF MUSCAT TO THE
QUEEN or ENGLAND.—The ship Artemisia, Captain .
Ilemmett, arrived in the London Docks on Saturday
from Zanzibar. Her mid-deck is fitted up a temporary
six-stall stable, which contains five Arabian horses, four
greys and a bay, of a small, but singularly perfect make,
although somewhat out ef condition from a long sea
voyage. These horses, with another which died on the
passage, were sent over for presentation to her Majesty
frcrn the King of Muscat, and will be landed this day
and sent forthwith to the royal stables at Buckingham
Palace. Whilst at sea their provender was oil-seed and
dates. The Artemi,la has been brought here by an
Arab crew, assisted by an English boatswain. The dress
and appearances of the Ar abs is very picturesque, con-
trasting strangely with that of our seamen in the same
docks. This ship and crow. have excited much interest.

LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING,

THE NAPIER ALARUIVI
(Fe me the Examiner.)
It is some time since we heard one of Sir Charles Na-
pier's loud notes of :slam, for Sir Charles Napier la,s
been employed, and when employed his mind is alwaa s
at ease, and untroubled with vain fears; but when the
period of command ceases, the want of occupation is
pregnant with dissatisfaction and panic, as idleness pro-
verbially is with mischie: An experimental squadron
or station is a thing to calm the gallant Admiral, and to
assure him of the safety of the country; perhaps because,
when he finds himself entrusted with an active pert of
the duty of guarding it, he feels the best guarantee for
i's security, and can cheerfully pronounce an all wells.
But just now all's ill. The Admiral is not afloat, and
everything is out of order at home and menacing abroad,
as appears in a terrible fee-fa-fum epistle in the Times,
beginning, rationally enough with the defects in the
construction of steam-ships, and the causes thereof, but
ending with all sorts of wild alarms, doleful representa-
tions of our weakness, and appalling ones on the other
side, of the strength of the French. Our sole comfort is
that we see on the other side of the water statements the
precise counterpart; setting forth the insignificance of
the French naval force and resources, and the over-
whelming superiority of the British.
The signature of this dismal letter is a key to its lan-
guage. " Late Commander-in Chief of the Channel
Squadron" signifies that of late things were not so much
amiss, or that the Admiral when occupied with his corn-
mend had not the leisure to survey the disorder in our
dockyards, or the threatening aspect of foreign affairs.
France has sent an army to Rome, ergo France may
send an army to London. The French went to Rome
without telling the Romans they were coming, and so
the French may come to London without telling the
Londoners they are coming. Such are the sage views
of Sir Charles Napier; who perceives that no distinction
is to be taken betweea the powers of Rome and the
powers of Great Britain, and all that can be done with
impunity to a State the most weak and distracted may
be done equally to one the most united and potent.
A very brave man remarked that he was nut bold
enough to be afraid. But when brave men do take
fright there is no fright like their fright. A Napier
knows that he may be afraid to any degree of irrationa-
lity without any hazard to his established repute for
dauntless courage. He has carte blanche for panic.
Nay more, he relies upon the argument, that when so
brave a man is in such a fright we ought all to be quek-
ing in our shoes, or shaken with a delirium tremens.
Sir Charles strongly recommends Lord John Russell
to be vehemently alarmed. lie desires the Premier to
remember many things he possibly never knew, such as
that our fleet might have been beaten by the French in
Syria.
" Has your Lordship forgotten the affair of Syria,
when war was on the point of being declared, and our
ships were lying for months at Spithead waiting for
men, and the French so superior to us that we might
have been beaten in detail? If your Lordship has for-
gotten it, I have not. Has your Lordship forgotten the
affair at Otaheitie, when we were powerless, and even
torced to patch it up, and I doubt if the indemnity is
paid to this day? Has your Lordship forgotten that we
sent a fleet to Copenhagen and stole the Danish fleet in
profound peace, without declaring war? Has your
Lordship forgotten that we sent a squadron to intercert
the Spanish galleons, without declaring war? Has your
Lordship forgotten how this country was bamboozled by
France about the Spanish marriages, and that by a
regular Government, notwithstanding the entente cor-
dide? and has your Lordship forgotten the Duke of
Wellington's letter, in which he exposes the defenceless
state of the country?"
As for the present aspect of things, Sir Charles, see-
ing that all Europe has run mad, thinks it suitable that
we should run mad too, and put ourselves in a state of
preparation against French invasion. He to this end
must Tully instructs the Premier; neglecting no details,
but directing him as to all he should do for the protec-
tion of the country; not only informing him that he
should man the Blenheim and the Ain( to save us, but
how they should be manned from the Excellent. We
were about to say that one grand measure of precaution
was omitted in these instructions, namely, the appoint-
ment of Sir Charles Napier to the command of our fleets;
but on consideration it seems better that he should re-
main unemployed at present, in which state he serves on
the look-out, detects all defects in the naval manage-
ment, discerns all dangers abroad, and has ready cut
and dried the infallible means of averting them. If a
command were given to the Gallant Admiral, we should
forthwith be deprived of the inestimable benefit of these
revelations and recommendations; and Lord John
Russell would be without a counsellor, the gain of the
fleet in one way being the Minister's loss in another.
Excellent, however, are the uses of our Napi, r; inas-
much as when employed we have in him one of the bravest
and best officers, and when not employed, a watchman
not to be surprised by any danger, inasmuch as he an-
ticipates all, and does not trouble himself about degrees,
but signals them all'as of the first magnitude.
But let us hear the warning and the exhortation:—
" It may be said I am exposing the nakedness of the
land. The Duke of Wellington's letter has done that
already; but his Grace's letter was not necessary. The
French Government know just as well as we do the
force of every ship of war in the service, the station of
every regiment, the number of our guns, and, I dare say,
the number of the muskets in all our arsenals. I may
be called an alarmist. I confess it; lam alarmed at our
defenceli ss state; and I hope to God I shall alarm the
Government, the Parliament, and the People. Let Mr.
Cobden and his party arbitrate if they will. Let them
go to Paris now, and ask the French to withdraw from
liorne—ask them to reduce their enormous army—and
no man will bo happier than I shalt be to see all our
establishments reduced. But, until he has got his arbi-
tration into • play, let us, for God's sake, take care of
ourselves.
" Your Lordship may say we have already a reserve
steam force which has cost the country millions. That
is true. But what a contemptible force it is—a force
that is quite unequal to contend with France.
" Your Lordship may ask what I propose. I will tell
your Lordship. Put the whole strength of your dock-
yards on the steam-vessels (such as they are) now on
the stocks, and got them ready for service.
" The Queen has been commissioned—man her and
fit her out as fast as possible; complete the crews of the
Superb and Gauges; man the Blenheim and Ajax screw
steamers out of the Excellent; fit out and arm your best
steam-vessels; and do this at once, before your sailors
go to Denmark and Germany; let this squadron assemble
at Spithead. You will then be in a position to arbitrate
or remonstrate if you will. Watch well the progress of
events in the Mediterranean, and if any war take place,
order the fleet home for the protection of our own shores.
Parliament cannot object to this; Mr. Cobden could not
object to it. It is a precaution; it will not be an expen-
sive precaution. If you do not want to press for money
at present, you may suspend
works in progress in the
dockyards that are not pressing. Search closely into all
and carving
committee
fcliatur
v ofn steam-vessels
your departments; ransack the dockyards, and you will
find means of saving thousands and thousands of pounds;
experiencedandc
changing
an g sn
ht4a l b
ships' steam-officerse
ibows
tw;
s give a
nt to
up cpcuttingn
sterns; give up converting good sailing ships into bad
appoint
i°diethowa
) )
steamers at an enormous expense; and look more strictly
at the expense of your dockyards; and you will have no
occasion to go to Parliament for more money.
" I remain your Lordship's obedient servant,
" CHARLES NAPIER, Rear-Admiral,
" And late Commander-in-Chief of the Channel
Squadron."
The one thing needful, to put the whole strength of
the dockyards on the steam-vessels on the stocks, is
somewhat inconsistent with a preceding argument, that
the right mode of constructing a steam-ship has yet to
be devised; the plans of the engineer and the shipbuilder,
and the views of the practical seaman, never having been
brought into harmony and concert, or attempted to be
brought into harmony and concert. According to Sir
Charles's representation, how would the efficiency of our
navy be improved by aiding to it a number of steam-
ships unable to carry or to work their main deck guns?
The miscarriages in building are certainly a disgrace
to the service, but we deny the assertion of Sir Charles
Napier, that the same reproach does not attach to our
neighbours; and defective as our steam-ships are, they
are generally vastly superior to the French, and incom-
parably less liable to disasters.
To improve our navy to the utmost on its scale, not to
extend it, is the proper course now; and egregiously are
we mistaken if Sir Charles Napier can " frighten the
Government, the Parliament, and the People," out
of their wits and out of their money by his exaggerated
statements and preposterous apprehensions. The min-
try is every now and then ready to be frightened. Like
Ally Croker, it has its moments when it hugs some
chimera "to make it uneasy." But it had the quaking
fit two years ago, and the period is not come for a return
of the ague. Sir Charles Napier will not find a single
old woman afraid of the French at this juncture; we are
all of us much more afraid for them than of them.
John Bull must not have practised upon him the tricks
that were played off upon Sancho Prinz% in his island,
when an alarm that the isle was attacked frightened him
into a suit of - mail; incasvd in which, like a hog in
armour, he was knocked down and kicked and cuffed
about by the defenders of his dominions, trampling upon
Sancho most mercilessly while they were clamouring
ut the protection of his person and property.

NAVAL IN TELL.I.LiENCE.
Boom DrSTROYING OPERATIONS AT PORTSMOUTH.—
Yesterday afternoon Captain IL D. Chads, 0.13., of her
Majesty's ship Excellent, exhibited some very important
gunnery operations to show the mode of forcing a pas-
sage up blocked up rivers or inlets, where obstructions
might be offered to an advancing party. The boom was
formzd of the masts of a line-ot-battle ship, lashed to-
gether by chain and other gear, so as to form the repre-
sentation of the supposed obstacle in a river; this boom
was laid in Fountain Lake (a tributary to Portsmbuth
Ttharbour),hile eaot
boom,ship( 4t
oo the y
caopmprmoeanchedbeiytsodnudtitehse.
about
tnae defendated,
eaafnendnddadet
edat:egialiesveei
tns
were,qua signaldr
squadron,
nha,e boat
aortdhse
opmr ottheec tseede
ne byf Thee go
pu
enrsa
toifo
nt
sh)e,
proceeded to the destruction of the hindrance, and the
dislodgment of the enemy. This was effected by the
boat party under the protection of the ship's guns
placing a 'use connected with a lartye quantity of sub-
merged gunpowder in a favourable pla',:e under the
holm for blowing it up; the fuse then, with much ap-
parent intrepidity, was ignited, and in thrte minutes,
or thtreabouts (allowing ample time for the destruc-
tion party to regain the cover of their ship), the
charge was exploded, destroying the boom, which was
burst asunder and blown into the air, and clearing a
free passage for the navigation of the assaulting party;
forming a highly instructive nautical rnateeavre, which
was witnessed by a large concourse of spectators on the
water, and a gallant array of naval and military officers
on board the Excellent, amoagst whom were Lord Fitz-
elarence, the Governor of Portsmouth; Sir John Bur-
, goyne, Inspector-General of Fortifications; Admirals
Ca pel, Prescott, Dacres, &c.; Sir William Parry, Nut.,
colosiel Lewis, li. E., &c.

PRINCE ALBERT'S VISIT TO CHATHAM.—Her Ma-
jesty's express yacht Elphin, beast r Giaamanding D.
Wash, arrived in tha river yesterday evening trom
Portsmouth, to attend upon his It•lai Highness Prince
Albert.

PLYMOUTH, JUNE 24.—The Castor, 36, Captain
WS vill, sailed yesterday afternoon with the mail to Ma-
deira, Ascension, and the Cape of Good Hope.
The Queen, 110, was commissioned on Friday by
Captain Charles Wise, for the flig of Vice-Admiral
Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.8., Commander-in-
Chief of the Mediterranean. She is to have a comple-
ment of 970 men.
The Alarm, 26, was taken out of dock yesterday.
The Albion, 90, has been docked to clean her copper.
Twelve shipwright apprentices having completed their
apprenticeship, have been entered on the dockyard esta-
blishment.

HOP INTELLIGENCE.
BOROUGH, JUNE 25.—The accounts continue to come
unfavourable from the hop plantations. The duty, in
consequence, has fallen to 80,0001. We have a firm
market, with scarcely a good lot of hops on sale; cur-

, .
.. - .
rency for the common run from 40s. to 90s. per cwt.
MaInsToNE.---There appears to be no diminution of
the blight in this district, the weather of the last few days
having been favourable to the increase of the insects,
and unfavourable to the bines, which want rain. ' The

chance of a crop is becoming daily more precarious.
WA.TERINGBURY, MEREWORTH, TESTON, AND NET-
TLESTEAD —The vermin in these parishes have increased
within the week, and the honey-dew is much more
general. The vermin appears to attack the weak bine
the most, and some of the weak grounds appear to be
yielding to the blight. There are exceptions to the
above, as some grounds at the uppear part of Mereworth
are comparatively free from vermin, and the bine looks

healthy.
MALLING.—We have plenty of flea, fly, lice, and
honey-dew, which are forerunners of a blight, and should
they not be cleansed by the " nigger," we must not ex-

pea a bop year.
BRENCHLEY•—Our hops are getting worse daily, and
the result must be a blight in a very great portion of our
plantation.
HAWKHURST.—There is a possibility of a favourable
Midsummer shoot, but no probability a; present, and we
quite calculate on a total blight.
HORSMONDEN.—No change for the better is per-
ceptible in our plantations yet. They are literally
swarming with lice. Honey-dew also prevails to a great

extent.
GOUDIEURST.—In consequence of the favourable
change in the weather, the fly has decreased consider•
ably, and their eggs do not appear to come to perfection,
but the honey-dew is alarming. In some gardens it is
almost an impossibility of there being any fruit; still
upon the whole they indicate a better appearance than
the preceding week.
CINANBROOL—There is a very considerable quantity
of fiy and lice, and in some places honey-dew on the
plant in this neighbourhood, and yet notwithstanding its
general effect of retarding its growth, the bine is rapidly
turnishing the poles.
YALDING AND HIINTON.—Our hops in some gardens
look in a progressing state, but below they look quite the
reverse; fly and lice are in abundance, with honey-dew

in many grounds.
WROTEIAM.—The hops here are still in a very unfa-
vourable state; some of them have got what the farmers
call the " tireblast," owing to the great difference in the
temperature at night to what it is in the day; they say
they hardly ever recollect the nights being so cold at
this time of the year. Some of the grounds have the
honeydew, and the flies and lice are as abundant as ever.
There have been a few fly goldings and " nigger." seen
on the hops this week, and it is hoped they will increase
and destroy the insects.
WILMINGTON.—The plantations _ of George Russel

Esq., are regularly gone to the blight. They are full of
fly and lice, and honey-dew has made its appearance,
notwithstanding the superior cultivation and manage-
ment. This is poor prospect for the pickers. Last
year upwards of 300 found employment for about a
month.
ORPINGTON.—The fly, lice, and honey-dew, increase
daily. The hops are going into a total blight as fast as
they can. The leaves have all fallen down and curled
under, the bine is at a stand still, end the leaves are
turning black; they are done for entirely.
EDENDRID3E.—The bine in the best grounds is im-
proving, but the weak bines are nearly done up. Duty,
100,000/ to 120,0001.
Carrnanurtv.—The fly still prevails to a great ex-
tent, and there has been a large increase of lice, which
mostly have attacked the weak bine. Honey-dew is
also observable. There is little hope of the plant re-
covering to produce anythirg of a crop. The duty is
laid at from 80,0001. to 90,000/. General accounts speak
of an increase of vermin and honey-dew, of disease in
the plant, and a blight being anticipated.
HURSTOREEN.—We have a great number of lice in-
festing the hops, and much honey-dew. Fly is also still
numerous. There are a few " niggers" and fly-geldings.
BURIVASH.—As on the present state of the bine de-
pends in a great measure the future crop; and as our
large plantation must in some measure influence the
market, we have again drawn our information from
various sources, all of them to be firmly relied on. On
Sunday and Monday last the fly seemed to decrease; on
Tuesday and Wednesday they were found in redoubled
numbers, and on Thursday we have the leaves black
with fly, all remarkably active, and (worse still) much
honey-dew. The exceptions to this report cannot, we
believe, be found in the parish, for all are alike; the only
difference perceptible being (in one or two gardens) a
rather vigorous bine.
FARNHAM, ALTON, AND CANTERBURY DISTRICTS'
JUNE 25. We have progressed still further in the
blight, and it is our decided impression that the hops
must go black.—Maidstone Gazette, June 26.