The Sun.
London, England, 1822-06-13 00:00:00

EAST INDIA HOUSE.

Yesterday a General Court of the Company
was held for the purpose of considering the Bill
now pending in Parliament;for consolidating the
several laws relating to the private trade with
the East Indies; and also to consider the pro-
priety of concurring in the repeal of the law by
which ships, under the burthen of 350 tons, are
precluded from engaging in such trade, from the
United Kingdom.
The CHAIRMAN (JAMES PATTISSON, Esq.) having taken
the Chair, stated to the Meeting that a Correspondence had
taken place between the Directors and the Board of Controul,
on the subject of the business of the day.
The Correspondence was next read by the Clerk.
The CHAIRMAN then said, that though it was most de-
sirable to have an immediate discussion on the business
of the day, yet he understood it was the wish of seve-
ral Gentlemen that the correspondence which had been just
read should be left on the table for the consideration of Mem-
bers, and that the general question should be discussed on a
future day. He concluded by moving that the discussion of
the question should be postponed to Wednesday next.
Mr. FORBE s concurred in the idea of postponement, but he
could not help thinking that there never was a time when In-
dia stood more in need of support in that House. He was not
hostile to a free trade, but he was hostile to a principle which
gave all the advantage to one side. The Hon. Gentleman then
went into a discussion of the measure before Parliament at con-
siderable length; he concluded by regretting that the interests
of India were so poorly represented and defended in the House
of Commons ; he suggested, that for the purpose of strengthen-
ing the Indian interest in that House, every Director as mat-
ter of qualification, have a seat in Parliament. Looking as he
did at the passing events, he was convinced that it was the po-
licy of Government to depress the state of India, in favour of
the West Indies.
Mr. CARRUTHERS protested against the assertion, that it
was the policy of Government to depress one class of society at
the expence of another ; on the contrary, he believed it was the
wish of the Government to deal out equal justice towards all.
Mr. D. ROBINSON spoke against the Bill, and condemned
the system of Ministers, as not likely to watch with sufficient
jealousy over the commercial interests of England, whilst the
other nations of Europe rigidly watched over their interests, and
promoted their objects.
Mr. S. Dixow, after alluding in pointed terms to the ab-
sence of Mr. Hume, said, he could not too forcibly condemn the
suggestion of an Hon. Member (Mr. Forbes), who would wish
to make it a qualification of every Director to hold a seat in
the House of Commons. To use the words of an old song, he
would have in that House his four-and-twenty Directors all in
a row—ta laugh)—But he ought to have recollected that the
business of a Member of Parliament was not to watch over any
particular interest, but to watch over the rights and liberties of
all.
Mr. RICARDO said, that his Hon. Friend (Mr. Hume) was
absent in consequence of having been engaged on a Commit-
tee of the House of Commons. He agreed with the Hon. Gen-
tleman who described the duties of a Member of Parliament.—
That Gentleman stated what the House of Commons ought to
be; but he must be a blind man indeed who would say that
the House of Commons, constituted as it was,was what a House
of Commons ought to be.—(Here Mr. LOWNDES called to or-
der.)—He was willing to admit that the question was not a pro-
per one for discussion there, and he would not say a word more
on it. Adverting to the general subject, it was impossible to ex-
pect a beneficial trade with India, unless England received from
India produce in exchange of her own. The subject indeed was
so self-evident that he was surprised any man could doubt the
benefits which this country would derive from the abolition of
all sorts of commercial restrictions. An Hon. Gentleman had
spoken of the Government in terms which shewed how high
was the opinion he entertained of it. Perhaps he (Mr. Ri-
cardo) did not differ much with him as to the intentions of
Government, but those intentions were often of no avail, and
Ministers were not unfrequently obliged to press measures of
which they could not approve. Clamour and the interest of
persons in that House forced such measures on the Ministers.
That was a great evil—and what he (Mr. Ricard'o) would wish
to see was, the House of Commons independent and free, who
would spurn the views of parties, who would turn a deaf ear to
particular interests, and who would bear in mind the great
duties of a House of Commons—to watch over the common
good and liberties of all.—(Hear, hear, hear !)
Mr. TUCKER contended that nearly three times a greater
quantity of sugar might be consumed in England than was now
actually consumed, and the sugar, instead of being 6d. might
be sold for 21d. and 3d. per lb. After solna other observations,
the Honourable Gentleman strongly impressed on the Court
the propriety of obtaining a relaxation in the Duties on Sugar,
as a measure most equitable and necessary.
Mr. TRANT next addressed the Court on the same side, and
concurred in the propriety of an adjournment.
An Hon. ME.M.ER wished to know whether Ministers
would consent to stop the progress of the Bill till the next meet-
ing of tl-.• Court ?
The CHAIRMAN said that a communication to that effect
would be made to Ministers.
The question of adjournment to Wednesday next was put
and carried.