The Sun.
London, England, 1847-01-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 80, 1.847.

s' ale that as the correspohdence Iliad begun by them-
lle was not going to give any opinion en the sub-
ject matter of that correspondence, and he hoped that
the House woJld not be called to give such an
opinion—(Cheers). But he ventured to state that he
had a very strong belief that this House and the coun-
try would desire to see that correspondence come to a
termination—(Renewed cheering). It was now con-
titeied teit hew aim et- practical ebj pet, and he wes
only afraid that if it was centinued still further in the
tone and temper which it had now assumed, he could
anly apprehend that it might cause a disruption of
friendly understanding, and lead to serious mischief.
The Marquis of LANSDO'iVNE, who was very in-
audible, was understood to say that the Noble Lord the
Secretary for Foreign Affairs, had only on that morning
been put in pessession of a copy of the answer to the
dispatch referred to by the N. Earl, and he (Lord
Lanschavne)had not yet had an opportunity of seeing it.
But he would at the earliest opportunity lay it on the
table of their Lordships' House. He could assure their
Lordships that her Majesty's Government were not in
the slightest degree inclined to suppress, or withdraw,
any information, nor to withhold any one circumstance
attending this transaction.
Lord BROUGHAM said that every body must feel
the justice, fairness, as well as candour, of the answer of
the Noble Marquis, and they musttall agree in the hope
expressed by the Noble Earl behind him that this cor
respondence were better ended.
THE CASE OF MR. R. W. MARA, LATE RE-
GISTRAR OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES IN IRE-
LAND.
The Earl of ST. GERMANS, in presenting a peti-
tion from Mr. Mara, c mplaining of his removal from
the office of Registrar of Friendly Societies in Ireland,
proceeded to state that, at the close of last session, a
Bill upon the subject of Friendly Societies was brought
from the other House, which was referred to a select
Committee of their Lordships. The Committee pro-
n•eded to consider this Bill, and among its enactments
was one adding a considerable amount of duty to the
office of Registrar in Iceland, without at the same time
giving any additional emolument. The Noble Earl then
referred to the correspondence which had taken place on
the matter, and to the opinion of the Attorney General
of Ireland, and of Mr. Napier of the Irish Bar. It the
opinion of the Attorney General of Ireland wai correct,
all the proceedings of Mr. Tidd Pratt, with respect
to friendly societi s, was null and void.—(Hear, hear.)
He would not push the matter further at present, nor
did he bring the matter forward for the purpose of em-
barrassing the Noble Lords opposite. He would con-
clude by moving that the correspondence which had
taken place between her Majesty's Government and Mr.
Mara, in ct,nseqte nee of his being removed from the
office of registrar- of friendly societies in Ireland, be
laid on the table of ill. ir Lordship's Hou-e.
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE begged to claim the
attention of the House fir a few inoMents, after the
statement which had been made by the Nob!
Lord, in order to explain under what circum•
stances the appointment had been made. He
was not acquainted with the particulars of this
transaction until within the last twenty-four hours,
and he considered it his du y to inform himself of them,
which he considered he had fully done. It was quite
true that Mr. Tin! I Pratt, who holds this office, had
never been removed, to which he had been well entitled
from his long and useful exertions in reference to these
societies. But in Ireland anti Scotland it had been an
established practice that the gen Leman office
should also be in the c eilidence of the Attorney and
Solicitor-Generals, and it was in pursuance of this very
practice that Mr. Mara was appointed. There being a
change in the Attorney-General, only Mr. Green suc-
ceeded to that office. The person who held the ap-
pointmenteas certifier, of friendly societies, only appears
as a claimant until the right of the last A ttorney-Ge-
neral'a Act came into operation. Nei. her has this
species of temporary appointment been considered per.
manent. Whether the Act had recently altered
the practice and created a necessity which cli,l
not before exist, he was not aware, but it was
essential that the person filling the office should be in the
confidence of the officials whom he had already made.
From this statement the question was narrowed into the
question, whether under the circumstances, the Attorney
and Solicitor-Generals had not done that which was best
fur the public interests, in combining the two offices. It
was no doubt to be regretted that Mr. Mara, who was a
respectable person, should have been disappointed in not
obtaining the office ; still he submitted there was no-
thing extraordinary in the proceedings of the Attorney
and Solicitor-Generals, in regard to the present appoint-
ment. He hoped the Noble Lord would not press his
motion.
Earl ST. GERMANS called the attention of the Noble
Marquis to the words of the Act of Parliament. It
stated, whether right or wrong was not the question,
that the two offices referred to should be combined, and
that the barrister or advocate who had hitherto certified
the rules of benefit societies, should in future be styled
Registrar of Benefit Societies, and appointed by the
Commissioners for the Reduction of the Naticnal Debt,
the situation being held during pleasure. The appoint-
ment was therefore in the hands of the Commissioners,
and not the Attorney or Solicitor-General. As Mr.
Mara had held the office previous to the Act coming
into operation, ho thought he had been badly used in
his removal.
Marquis of CLANRICARDE—The difference in
the practice of Ireland and Scotland was this, that the
Attorney General for the time being in Ireland, and the
Lord-Advocate for the time being in Scotland, were to
appoint these persons, and the question then was,
whether the intention of the Legislature was to confine
the appointment to the Attorney-General at the time
being, referring to the passing of the Act, or to the
time being when the vacancy in question might occur.
After some further conversation, the motion was then
withdrawn.
Their Lordships adjourned at half-past six o'clock.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, Jan. 29.
The SPEAKER took his seat at Four o'clock.
SECOND READINGS.

On the motion of Mr. PARKER, the Birkenhead and
Cheshire Junction Railway (deviation of main line, &c.),
and the Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire Junction
Railway, and Chester and Birkenhead Railways Amal-
gamation Bills, were read a second time.
On the motion of Mr. H. BERKELEY, the Bristol
and Exeter Railway (Taunton and Cas.lecary branch)
Bill was read a seem(' time.

On the motion of Mr. E W ART, the Glasgow, Paisley,
Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway (No. 2), aid the Glasgow,
Dumfries and Carl►sle R, ilway, and Glasgow, Paisley,
Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway' (No. 4) Bills, were read et
second t►me.

On the motion of Dr. BOWRING. the Llynvi Valley
Extension Railway Bill was read a second time.
On the motion of Alderman COPELAND, the North
Staffordshire Railway (alterations in branches) and the
North Staffordshire Railway (Churnet Valley and Trent
Valley Junction) Bills were read a second time.
On the motion of Sir E. FILNIER, the following
Bills were read a second time, in order to be committed:
South Easi:ern Railway (Mid Kent and Direct Tun-
bridge).
South-Eastern Railway (Croydon and Bromley Branches)
South-Eastern Railway (Maidstone to Chart).
South. Eastern Railway (Strood to Maidst,ne).
South• Eastern Railway (North Kent and Bricklayers'
Arms Junction).
South-Eastern Railway (North Kent Line).
COMMITTEE OF SELECTION.

Mr. GREEN moved that it be an instruction to the
Committee of Selection not to appoint the sitting of any
Committee on. Bills for town improvements, markets
and fairs, harbours and docks, cemeteries, gas works,
water w Tits, lir any Bills for the amendment of Acts
for any of the,above purposes before the Ist of March
next.

After a few words from Dr. Bowring, Mr. Wilson
Patten, Lord Harry Vane, and Mr. Hudson,
Mr. HUME supported the motion. He thought that
there ought to be general measures passed applicable to
all the various orders of private Bills ; persons then
wishing to present any private Bill would have only to
adopt one paragraph or so, instead of the numerous
clauses and lengthy Bills now n quired, creating by
their enactment an enormous amount of confusion.
The motion was agreed to.
LIG lITLI OUS ES.
Mr. MUNTZ presented a petition from the inhabi-
tants of Scilly, praying that the lighthouse dues might
be reduced.

Home Department heard of this matter, he concurred
CM- }lmre) in rrire;pl,-. end he 'ieyed.
trout what he stated, that a Bit of icily descritiAwn woti.tt
be agreed to by the House. One great ollj•-ct to be
effected by what he proposed would be unanimity ; the
next would be a saving of time. As great a reduction
in tly expense in the proceedings in reference to Bills
as two•thhirds would be effected. These were matters
of great importance. It would be found in many parts
where lighting, draining, &c., were required, that the
inhabitants were prevented from coming to Parliament
by the attendant expenses. He was acquainted with one
case the expense of which would be scarcely believed by
the House. It was for the renewal of a Bill, and the
cost was considerably over 1,9001. He had asked the
solicitor, and he candidly admitted that the charge
was three times more than he was accustom, c 1
to demand, but justified his conduct by the prac-
tice that prevailed gener.illy. The Committee
had also considered what change should be
introduced into the legislation on private Bills. He
thought that it might be interesting to the House to
know that the town of Liverpool alone had laid out no
less a sum than 87,0001. in applications for Bills
since the period of the Reform- Act. The town
of Glasgow had expended a sum of 67,000/. He could
multiply examples, but it was not necessary. He had
every reason to believe that the measures recommended
by the Committee would have the most beneficial
effects, and would also save a great portion of the time
of the House.
Sir GEORGE GREY did not wish that the House

should pledge itself to any di3tinct nsolution ou the
subject, as he considered that before they should do so

t would be advisable to have the Bills 'which had been

in preparation in reference to this subject laid before the
House. Through an unforeseen pressure of business, a
very great delay had occurred, but they would shortly
have them laid upon the table. The House would then
see what Bills were still wanting.
Mr. HUDSON had no objection to the three reso-
lutions proposed by the Hon. Member for Montrose, be-
lieving, as he did, that their adoption would tend very
much to the efficiency: of public business. There was
one other point, however, to which he wished to call
the attention of the Hon. Member, and which was very de •
serving of his attention, namely, the fees of the House.
Now, in many cases, these amounted to the whole
charges besides. He trusted, therefore, to draw the
attention of the Hon. Gentleman to this subject, and
hoped he would move for a Committee to inquire into it,
with a view to reduce the scale of fees. It was a subject
of great public importance, and ought not to be lost
sight of. He had found, that year by year, the fees of
the House increased enormously.
Mr. HUME would be satisfied to leave the matter in
the Speaker's hands. The fees paid to the House were
only fractional, compared with the expenses of a Bill out
of doors, and he thought a Bill ought to be drawn up to
regulate the expense of passing a private Bill. He was
willing, however, to lea,,e that to the Speaker, and it
only remained for him to withdraw the motion. Be
was Oil to have the concurrence of the

lionournble Member tor Sunderland, because it was
well known the Hun. Member had had a good deal of
experience in these matter:.

:slr. HUDSON said he could produce an account of
the expense of the Bills he had had anything to eo wide
in the last two or three years.
Mr. GREENE said, after what had fallen from the
Hon. Member for Sunderland, be must be allowed to
say a few words. The Hon. Member had stated
that the fees of the House had latterly increased,
year by year, to an enormous extent. Now the Hui.
Gentleman omitted to state that the increase had not
taken place in the fees paid to the House, hut in the
fees paid to Parliamentary agents end barristers, over
whom the House had no control.—(Hear, hear.)
Lord HARRY VANE trusted that the Hon. Mem-
ber who had stated to the House that he could produce
an account of all the expenses incurred by the different
companies with which he had been connected in the
passing of Bills through that House, would do so; and
he hoped he would distinguish between those expenses
payable to the officers of the House and those payable to
attorneys and solicitors.
Mr. HUDSON said that the Hon. Member misunder-
stood him if he inferred that he wished to persuade the
House that the expenses were the principal items in the
Bills. He only said the fees to the House were a most
important item in the expenses.
Dr. BOWRING said it should not be forgotten that
the officers of the House were paid out of those fees.
But he wished that some check should be established on
the enormous infractions practised by the legal profes-
sion on railway companies. He greatly regretted that
no means existed for checking it, and also that no in-
fluential Member of that HOLIS2 took up the question.
The resolution was then withdrawn.
Mr. WRIGHTSON gave notice that, on going into
Committee on the Poor-laws in Ireland, he should move
that it be an instruction to that Committee to fix a cer-
tain amount in the pound, leviable on the rates collected
there, and that that rate should not be exceeded except
by an express provision of Parliament.
TOBACCO, SPIRITS, TEA, SILK, &c.

On the motion of Dr. BOW RING, returns
were ordered of the number of pounds weight of
leaf tobacco, manufactured tobacco, ciga-s, and snuff
paid duty upon quarterly, in the years 1844, 1845,
and 1846, and up to the sth day of January, 1847;
also, the gross amount of duty received thereon, dis-
tinguishing England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the
respective ports of importation therein, and the totals of
each quarter and year. The several seizures made, and
of the prosecutions for breaches of the laws relating to
tobacco, in the year ending the sth day of January,
1847, distinguishing Great Britain from those in
Ireland, specifying the places where and names of
the persons prosecuted, or from whom the seizures were
made; the quantities and kinds of goods seized; whether
fine or imprisonment imposed ; whether fine paid, or
party suffered imprisonment ; for what time impri-
soned. The number of persons convicted for smuggling
tobacco, spirits, tea, silk, and for any other articles,
and the total number convicted, in the year ending
the sth slay of January, 1847: also, the number of
persons who paid the penalties imposed; the number of
compromises made; the number of persons committed
against
prison ; the
8)
r4t.7d. toAtbhace:
co
(ru:navtnesdnuosenfnumberutlffha we of
imported
personslaws, on
quantitytthe
ei
into
otf
htfprisonhodrea,yui g foronnfit
iejndaaoffencesuu January,
King-
dom in each of the three years 1844, 1845, and 1846 ;
-tating the quantity exported from the bonded ware-
houses as merchandise to the British colonies, and to
what colonies ; also the quantity exported as ship stores
in each of these three years. Of the quantity of British
manufactured tobacco exported as merehandise under
drawback to the British colonies, in each of the three
years 1844, 1845, and 1846; and also an account of the
quantity exported as ships stores in each of these three
years; of the quantity of British manufactured snuff
exported in each of the three years 1844, 1845, and
1846. Of the several seizures made, and of the prosecu-
tions fur breach of the lawsrelative to tobacco, &c.
BOYS JOINI

Li THE ARMY FROII UNION
WORKHOUSES.'

On the motion of the-HoN. MEMBER, the following
return wait also ordered :—The number of boys who
have been received into the army as drummers, from
parish union workhouses in the United Kingdom, year
by year, from 1840, specifying the unions resrectively,
down to the end of 1846.

LABOURING POOR (IRELAND) BILL.
Mr. GOULBOURN hoped that this Bill would be
in the hands of Membf•rs to-jnorrow morning,—(llebr,
hear.) If it was not delivered until Mon:lay morning
it would be impossible for them to give it that attention
which it deserved.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
the Government had been very anxious to carry down
the information to the latest possible period, and there-
fore sonic delay had taken place. He trusted, however,
that copies of the Bill would be delivered to morrow
morning.

IRELAND.
Mr. S. O'BRIEN wished to know that course the
Government intended to pursue on Monday. He be-
lieved it N 23 generally understood that a debate would
take place on the Irish Poor-Jaw Amendment Bill on
Monday.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said, it was not in his power
to say what course the debate would take on Monday
evening. It was possible that the debate might occupy
the whole night. It might, however, be necessary to
state what course the Government intended to pursue
with regard to the measures which they had stated their
intention of. bringing forward. He should first proceed
with the Bid for remedying the temporary distress in
Ireland, or to render valid Mr. Ltbouchere's letter ; and
secondly, the permanent Irish Poor-law Amendment Act.

MONITENSIER MARRIAGE.
Mr. FINCH wibhed to ask the S. eretary of State fur
Foreign Affairs, whether he had received any com-
munication from M. Guizot on the subject of the
Montpe•nsier marriage, or whether he had received any
communication from the Marquisof Normanby ; it.
so, whether it was his intention to lay the same before
the House?

Lord PA LMERSTO N—The French Ambassador
had called upon him, and be had received the communi-
cations in question, copies of which would be kid before
the House.

LETTERS OF MARQUE.
On the motion that the House doR
theadUjoEu.rn being put,
Right Hon.
I3A R
theCL As
Secretary
r eb
teagrgye
ofd tsotactealforlattention of the
Foreignimes AoffftahiersB toth
an advertisement which appeared the T
inst. from the Mexican Consul, who stated
that he would
ishseuemlelexttiecrasno to
o n tvaerrqn%
Government
thoseagst
ai
against
o imighthe United engage for
ie
tehdadbeensent
States.
'e pre
It was forty years since letters of
issued, and be thought it wai p
civilisation of Ettrop to countenance such a fn
rice. He _hogged to ask the Secretary r prat
Foreign Affairs whether his attention had been
directed to such, and what means he had taken to pre-
' vent the same being carried into practice. He begged
to call the attention of the House to a passage which
app, area in the Courrier Francais on the subject, which,
after stating that these letters of marque were being
issued by the Mexican Government, said that any na-
tive of France accepting them would be considered as
having forfeited their rights as Frenchmen, and would
be treated as pirates.
Lord PALMERSTON said that when the same ques-
tion had been asked him some days back he thought he
had given a satisfactory answer. He explained at the
time that the advertisement in question wits merely an ad-
e.nent from a well•known gun-maker on Tower-hilll
He had communicat, d with General Mendoza, and he
stated that nobody was at present authorised in these
countries to issue letters of marquo. His Hon. Friend
had just shown to him the regulations under which those
dar
tti outh
letters were issued, and he referred them to the law
adviser- of the Crown to consider how far they were
non.istent with the laws of the realm; for it C. rtainly
was not legal to equip vessels in these countries destined
fo: any hostile pros; h'a_;ainstil another nation without
the express permission of the Crown, and in conformity

with the Act, three vessels have been seized, having
been susp-eited that. tl,ee were intended for hostile pur-
poses orl the co:1r. of
SCOTTISH DisTßEss.
Mr. DUNDAS, in the abset,ce of Mr. Mackinnon, on
the order or the day being read, desired to know,
whether it was the intention of the Government to take
any additional measures 'dative to the distress which
existed in the Western Islands and Highlands of Scot-
land?
Sir GEORGE GREY said that the Government did
not contemplate tli,e establishment of any general system
of relief, in addition to those measures which the
Government had already availed themselves of The
Drainage Act hudeorne most opportunely, and-bad effected
the most beneficial results—satisfying the proprietors
as to the probable increase of value in their farms, and
affording very extensive relief to a large portion of dis-
tressed labourers. In addition to' this, the Govern-
ment had established depots for the sale
of food, end they had found that these rata
sures were quite sufficient to meet the present emer-
gim y. Parties also who applied to the Loan Com-
missioners might obta'n loans of money, on giving
security for the repayment, to be expended on public
works. Besides, grants would be made, in a few in-
stances, upon the other modes of relief; and the Scotch
poor-law was found to be inadequate to meet the desti-
tution. He hoped, therefore, that by these means they
would be able to_ grapple with the emergency, and that
the severity of the distress would be greatly mitigated.
Mr. MACKINNON wished to know, as the Govern
ment proposed to advance a sum of money for the pur-
chase of seed for corn and potatoes in Ireland, whether,
in the event of such assistance being required in the
Highlands, the Government would have any objection to
extend it to them?
Sir G. GREY said that no application of that kind
had been made from the Highlands as yet. If it should
be made, the subject would meet with due consideration.
Mr. ELLICE would like to know what amount of
money had been expended in the Highlands by the Go-
vernment.
Sir G. GREY had no objection whatever to lay such
an account upon the table, but he believed the relief
had been confined to three instances.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that there was a blue-book for Scotland as well as for
Ireland, and when it was laid upon the table the expen-
diture would be seen.
Mr. BOUVERIE hoped that the Right Hon. Baronet
would hold out no hope that such advances would be
made; for he believed if it went abroad that Government
were willing to make such loans, it would cause serious
mischief, and produce more harm than good.
Mr. HUME wished to know whe&ber in the event of
seed being given by the Government, the distribution
be made by the retailers or by Government them-
selve.?
Sir G. GREY said the greatest care would be taken,
in accordance with the practice Government had hitherto
adopted, that there should be as little interference as
possible with the operations of trade.
CHELSEA PENSIONERS' BILL.
This Bill was read a second time, and ordered to be
committed on Monday.

SUPPLY.
f
or roTi
,tight hi
reoe.
ti
motionnme money
questiont oE
raesexpressedabad
agy etadvanced
d Committeeagreed
putv aato.
ncoet
hope
wtaastSupply,Government
od
vf
uponeo
rr
n tmh
eet purpose
te uutr.
table.
buol ;ea:
On the question being put that the order of the day
o
he
of postponement, be read,
forthe
not make any more advances to Scotland until an account
EISTILLERIES AND BREWERIESsecond
readingßlLL.
this Bill,
Mr. FORBES MACKENZIE rose and said, the. Bill
had not been printed more than half an hour, end he
titers, fore trusted the second reading would be postponed
Mr. HUME did not see any reason why the second
reading should be postponed. The lion. Gentleman
could not of jeet to the principle of the Bill, arid if the
details did not meet his views, the Hon. Gentleman
could object to them in Committee.
Mr. FRENCH reminded the Hon. Gentleman that the
Bill was brought forward for the purpose of alleviating
the distress of Ireland, and it was important that it
should not be delayed.—(Hear.)
After a few words from Mr. GnocAN and Dr. Bow-
RING,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER urged
the Honourable Member to pcotnone his opposition to
the details till they went into Committee on the Bill.
He had not apprehended that there was to be any oppo-
sition to the Bill at the present stage ; on the contrary,
he thought that any objection was to be brought forward
in Committee.
Mr. MACKEI,7ZIE wished to know if there was any
inforniatin with respect to this Bill in the papers which
were to be produced to-morrow ?
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that he was very sorry that those papers were not in the
hands of the Members at that moment, but they were
delayed in consequence of a great number of calculations
which were to be ins rted. They would, however, be
ready by to-morrow morning, or, at the latest, on
Monday.
The Bill was then read a second time, and ordered to
be committed on Friday next.
The Buck Wheat Importation Bill was then read a se-
cond time.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said
that the Customs Duties Bill was not printed, and
therefore it had better be postponed till Monday.
Mr. HUME asked if the Noble Lord had any ob-
jection to allow the papers for which he • had
given notice of motion. If so, he should now move for
them in the terms of which he had given notice, viz.!—
" For an address for a copy of the note, or representa-
tion, made by the Russian Envoy, ICrudi:or, to the
Vorort of Switzerland respecting the Federal Contract
of Vienna, and copy of any answer thereto. Also, for
copies of any notes or representations made by Baron
Sturmer to the Porte at Constantinople, respecting the
annexation of the free republic of Cracow to Austria,
and copies of any answers to the same."
gallery,
• erstanding that
Mr. HUME said that, upon the un • e
After some conversation, which did not reach the
there would he no objection to lay the papers on the
table o 1 the House, he would withdraw his motion.
The motion was accordingly withdrawn. _
, to four
The House then adjourned, at six o'clock
o'clock on Monday.

PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS.
(From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.)
THURSDAY JAN. 28.
The following Railway Bills were presented, read a first
time, and ordered to be read a second time:—
Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, and Ayrshire and
Bridge of Weir (&). 3)_...a.
to enable the Glasgow, Paisley,
Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway s
ofCompany to make certain
Branch counties Railways in the ' Renfrew and Ayr, and
for other purposes."
a 11 lanchester and Lincoln Union (Deviation)—" to authorise
Deviation in the Line of the Manchester and Lincoln Union
Railway."
Lyrn and Ely (Extension to Spalding and Holbeach)—
" to enable' The Lynn and El •Railway Compauy' to ex-
tend their Railway to Spalding and Holbeach."
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Louth and Horn-
castle and East Lincolnshire Junction Branches)—" to enable
the Malchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire Railway Com-
pany to make Branch Railways to the towns of Louth and
Lynn and E'y
Horneastle, and to connect the East Lincolnshire Railway.'
(Ely and Huntingdon and Lv
ham Amalgamation)—" for consolidating the -nn and Dere-
Lynn and Ely,
the Ely and Huntingdon, and the Lynn and Dereham Rail-
way Comnanies into one Company, to be called ' The East
Anglian ii ,ilways Company.' "
Lynn and Ely (Extension to Bury St. Edmund's)—" to
14R,aitilliwtaiymeCcomalpeda
enable the Lynn and Ely Railway Company to extend their
Railway to Bury St. Edmund's."
—" to enable the ' General Terminus and Glasgow Harbour
General Terminus and Glasgow Harbour Railway Branches
Caledonian
ate a
amake t Branchher adj
certain subsidiary Branches, and to amend the Act relating
to such Railway."
Preston and Wyre—" to alter and amend the Acts relating
oraisail;azasibt‘oa;sr
with
to the Preston and Wyre Railway, Harbour, and Dock
Company, and to enable the Company to make an additiona
an-
-1
Railway at Kirkscar Bay, in the county palatine of L
caster."
• Bristol and South Wales Junction and Aust Ferry—" to
enable the Bristol and South Wales Junction Railway Com-
pany to improve and maintain the Aust or Old
Passage
Ferry across the river Severn."
---" to enable the ei _
Norfolk (Yarmouth Extension, &c.)or-
folk Railway Company to extend their ,Railway to the town
of Great Yarmouth, and for other purposes."
Liskeard and Caradon—" to enable the Liskeard and Ca-
radon Railway Cranpany to raise a further sum of money,
and e
to sell or lease their Railway to the Cornwall Railway
Company."
Wolverhampton, and Stour -Valley (No. 1—
Birmingham, . .
Sinethwick Deviation)—" to authorise a certain alteration in
the Line of the Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Sto •ui
-Valley Railway, and to amend the Act relating
thereto, and
for other purposes.,
Wlmarfdale (Skipton
' and Cayley Hall Deviations)--« to
ameed the provisions of ' The Wharfdale Railway Act,'
1816, aid to make certain deviations from the
authorised
Lire of Railway."
Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, and Glasgow, Paisley,
Kilmarnock, Aye ( \l-o 2)—" . •
Kilmarnock, and , • to amend the Act
to the Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle Railway
Company,
relating
and to authorise the Company to make a Brancli P ompany,
KircuMnight, with diverging Lines therefrom, Railway to
ri, and for other
pure, M."
London and North-Western (Purchase of
Ellesmere's interest in the Manchester South Jur •
the Earl of
Altrincham Railway)—" to authorise the Right I Junction and
Egerton, Earl of Ellesmere, to sell, and le lon. Francis
North• Western Railway Company to London and
purchase, the estate
Con and Altrincham Railway." ester South June-
Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle-un
' tion Railway Acts Amendinent—" to enadn-Tyne June-
Manchester, and Newcastle-upon-Tyne ja e the Liverpool,
Company to make a Railway from the Burnienct ion Railway
the Manchester and Leeds Railway, in y Branch of
Habergliam Eaves, in the parish of
kv
haut the township of
of Lancaster, to the East Lancashire Raile•Y' in
the county
township, and for other purposes." Railway, in the same
Chard Canal and Railway ( Extension
—" to enable the Chard Canal and Railway
Amalgamation
tend their Railway from Ilminster to Chard, CilinPanY to ex-
of Somerset." a.. in the county

NOTICES GIVEN AT THE PRIVATE BILL-OFFICE.
The following Railway Bills are appointed to be. read a
second time on Monday, Feb. 1:—.
Norfolk Miss Branch),
Norfolk (Bury St. Edmund's Branch),
Yeovil, Bridport, and Exeter, with Branches.
Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth Amendment (No. 1).
Windsor.
London and North -Western (Newport Pagnell, &c., Branch).
London
able Branch) and North-Wcstern (St. Alban';, Luton, and Dun-
Hartlepool and Stockton Junction.
London, Brighton, and South Coast (London-bridge Station
Enlargement and Arrangement).
London, Brighton, and South Coast (Extension to London-
bridge),
London-bridge Termini General Enlargement.
London, Brighton, and South Coast-( the gent Railway to
Maid§tone, Canterbury, and Tunbridge).

East Lincolnshire (Deviation at .Boston and Branch to
Great GI husby and Sheffield Junction Railway at Grimsby).
List Lincolnshire (Branch from Louth to Lincoln).
Lonthn, Oxford, and Cheltenham Railway and Branches
Itoolid/le Canal (Sale to Manchester and Leeds Ruilway
Company).
Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland (Newcastle,
Anniskinnan, and Baltrasna Deviations).
Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, and Glasgow and
Belfast Union (No. 1).
Glasqow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr (No. 4).
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Station Approach
in Manchester).
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Branch from Ash-
ton-under- Lyne to Oldhatn).
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Junction with the
Midland Railway, &c.).
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Branch to Chapel-
town and Thurgoland Coal Branch).
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Aston Canal Pur-
chase.)
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Branch to Bugs-
worth).
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire (Sheffield Canal
Purchase).
Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, and Manchester and
Lincoln Union and Chesterfield and Gainsborough Canal
Amalgamation.
Leeds Central Railway Station.

PARLIAMENTARY PAPERS.
The Seventeenth Annual Report of the Comtllsaioners
of Woods and Forests was published on Tune sy ; the
following are the most interesting notices. The report
is dated the 25th of -August last, and contains fall parti-
culars, together with the minutest items, of all their pro-
ceedings during the preceding year :
PUBLIC SALES.—There have 'beta five sales of the
land revenues of England, producing 18,220/.
PRIVATE SALES.—The total of these sales during the
year yielded 88,766/. 1 Is. Gd. Amongst the items is
mentioned that of the Fleet Prison, which had teen
cffered for public competition, but for which only nine
tenders had been sent in, varying in amount from 8,000/.
to 18,000/.• As, however, the minimum price had heal
previously fixed at 25,000/, none of the tenders were ac-
cepted ; and, -in consequence, the purchase was finally
made l*y the City of London for 25,0001, which in.-
eluded the entire freehold estate, such sum to be paid
by the Corporation free of the conveyancing expenses.
METROPOLITAN IMPROVEMETS.—The purchase money
for the following improvements is thus stated by the
commissioners:—
Line from Oxford-street to Holborn £287,155 410
" Bow-street to Charlotte-street 96,408 11 0
" London Docks and Spitalflelds 136,241 5 6
r
`• Coventry-street to Long-hcre 1,9043 3 8
" East Smithfield to Rosemary-lane 18,256 0 0

£717,604 5 0
Besides 10,813/. 15s. to complete purchases
VICTORIA PARIL—TI a total sum paid, or agreed to
be paid, for property required for the formation of this
park, amounts to 86,873/. 3s. ld. The park is now en-
closed, and partly laid out and planted. The commis-
sioners state that 20,000 persons have frequently resorted
to it in the course of a day, for recreation and (xercise.
YEARLY RECEIPTS.—During the year ending January
5, 1846, the land revenues of the' Crown amounted to
120,000/.; the monies arising from the sales of Crown
land amounted to 37,1551. 14s. 2d.; and 6,9541. Os. 2d.
bad been appropriated to the purchase of property for
the improvement of the Crown estates.
CASH BALANCES IN THE NAMES OF THE COMMIS

SIONERS.-22,1831. 15s. Id. in the Bank 'of England, to
be applied to metropolitan improvements. The total of
the different accounts standing in the Bank of England,
Bank of Ireland, and Bank of Scotland, on January 5,
1846, amounted to 166,0131. 7s. 10d.
THE FAMINE IN IRELAND.

The four following Bill have been distributed to the
Members of the House of Commons :-
1. To suspend the Duties on the Importation of
Buck wheat, Buckwheat Meal, Maize, or Indian Corn,
Indian Corn Meal, and Rice. ,
2. To make further Provision for the Relief of the
Destitute Poor in Ireland.
3. To render valid certain Proceedings for 'the Relief
of Distress in Ireland, by Employment of the Labour-
ing Poor.

4. To allow the Use of Sugar in the Brewing of
Beer.

I: To SUSPEND THE DUTIES ON BUCKWHEAT, &C.
—This Bill contains but one section, ned-that declares
that no customs duties shall be paid on buckwheat, buck
wheat meal, &c., until the Ist of September next.
11. FURTHER PROVISION FOR THE RELIEF OF THE
DESTITUTE POOR IN IRELAND.—Preamble : Declares
the fresent powers 'of the guardians not sufficient for
the due relief of the destitute poor.—Sect. 1. The
guardians are.empowered and required to relieve desti-
tute persons permanently disabled by old age, infirmity,
or.bodily or mental detect,' either in or out of the work-
house, as they may think fit in such case. 2. The
guardians may be authorised by the Poor-law Commis-
sioners to give out-door relief to destitute persons not
permanently disabled. 3. On- receiving such authority,
the guardians are required to make provision for giving
relief accordingly. Out-Ooor relief to the able• bodied
to be given in food only, except- in any case of sudden
and urgent necessity. 4. Regulations to be made by
Poor law Commissioners as to the mode of application
for relief, inquiring into circumstances of applicants,
lists of poor, accounts, &c. 5. The guardians are re-
quired to appoint so many relieving officers as the
Commissioners may deem requisite and sufficient. 6.
The guardians may be authorised and required to appoint
medical officers for medical relief out of the work-
house, if deemed necessary and expedient by poor-law
commissioners. 7. Relieving officers may give provi-
sional relief until the next meeting of the guardians. 8.
Relief to wife or child to be relief_to husband or parent,
as the case may be. 9. All relief under thiS Act to be
charged on the poor-rates of the whole union ; and re-
lief not to be given out of the union to which it is
charged. 10. :Some provisions as to qualifications, du-
ties, appointment, removal and salaries of officers, as in
the case of officers appointed under the Acts now in
force. 11. Administration or relief under this Act to
be subject to the direction and control of the pJor-law
commissioners. 12. The guardians of every union an.l
their officers shall keep accounts, in such form as the
Poor-law Commissioners shall prescribe, of all expendi-
ture under this Act. 13. Former Acts and this Act to
be one. 14. This Act may be amended or repealed this
session.

111, To RENDER VALID CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS FOR
THE RELIEF OF DISTRESS IN IRELAND, BY EMPLOY-
MENT OF THE LABIURING POOR.—Sect. present-
ments which have been made at any presentment ses-
sions in Ireland. at any time before the passing of this
Act, and which have or shall be-approved by the Lord-
Lieutenant of Ireland and by the Commissioners of her
Majesty's Treasury, declared valid. 2. Certain pre-
sentments charged on particular lands, 5 and 6 Vict.,
c. 89. 3. Occupiers paying money on demand of land-
lord, to deduct sum from rent. 4. Commissioners em-
powered to fix increased rent of lease tenants. 5. Sums
presented for public works to be assessed either on
barony at large or electoral divisions. 6. Provision when
assessed on barony at large. 7. Provision when as-
sessed on electoral divisions. 8. This Act, and Act 9
and 10 Vict., c. 107, to be construed as one Act. 9.
Act may be altered or wended.
IV. To ALLOW THE USE OF SUGAR IN THE BREW
Tr lc OF BEER.—Sect. 1. Brewers of beer for sale may
make use of sugar in brewing. 2. Brewers not al-
lowed to use molasses, or any sugar, except in the
state in which it has been imported, and on which the
customs duties have been paid. 3. If any brewer make
use of any other sugar than as aforesaid, or take into his
possession any molasses, honey, syrup, or extract or
composition of sugar, he shall forfeit 2001. 4. Brewers,
using sugar to enter in the book. delivered by the
officer the quantity of sugar intended to be used in the
next brewing, under a penalty of 2001. 5. Brewers
using sugar to pay their licence duty in proportion to
quantity used, as under 6 Geo 'IV., c. 31. G. Repeal o'
former drawback on beer exported, allowed by 1 Wm.
IV., c. 51, and new drawbacks granted. 7. Repeal of
so much of 1 Wm. IV., c. 51, as authorises the export
of beer in casks of 36 gallons, in the brewing of which
not less than two bushels of malt has been used: beer
may be exported on drawbacks, according to the specific
gravity of the worts used and specified in shipping
notice. 8. Repeal of-so much of l Wm. IV., c. 51, as
requires oath to be made on debenture for obtaining
drawback. 9. Declaration to be made on debenture for
obtaining drawback. 10. The drawbacks by this Act
granted to be under the management of the Commis•
sioners of Excise and the excise laws respecting export-
ation and the recovery of penalties. 11. Act may be
altered this session.

NEW HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT.
The following report by Mr. Barry, the architect,
appears in the Report of the Commissioners of Woods
and Forests, just issued, showing the state of the works
of the New Houses of Parliament on the 30th of June
last:—
" The shell or carcase of the river front portion of the
building is completed. The whole of the north and
south flanks are now roofed in, and the carcase of the
building completed, with the exception of a small por-
tion of the cresting on the ridges of the roofs. The Vic-
toria tower is 7t) feet in height, and the gzoined rocf
over the state entrance within i: is in hand. The clock
tower is 73 feet high, and is now above the adjacent
roofs. The central tower is from 55 to 66 feet high, and
the corridor portions of the building to north, south,
and east of it, as well as a portion of St. Stephen's
Hall; - are at the same height. The whole of
the low roofs over the corridor, and rooms sur
round-rig the various courts, are completed the royal
gallery is roofed in, the windows glazed, and the wood
ceiling is nearly completed. The roof of the nous?. of
Commons is being fixed, and the New Palace-yard
portion of the building is ready for its roof, which will
be fixed forthwith. The thick arches forming till the
floors in this part of the building have been completA.
The aricus brick arches forming the floc r 3 in other
portions of the building are completed, and the stone
groins and vaults required in various parts of the
building are far advanced. The work at the crypt of
St. Stephen's Chapel and contiguous portions of the
building, and also the vaults under the central hall
are at a stand, owing to the difficulties in respect
of warming and venti:ating arrangemen's. The deco-
ralions of the walls and ceiling of the House of
Lords are completed. In the Home of Lords, and in the
adjoining lubLies and corridors, the carp?f, trs and
joiners are proceeding with the fixing of the oak finish-
ings. The joiners' work of the libraries, committee-
rooms, refreshment-rooms, and corridors of access
thereto of the Muses of Lords and Commons, are for
the most part preparzld; but the fixing of those finish-
lags, and the preparation of the joiners' works for other
portions of the building, cannot with propriety he pro-
ceeded with until a decision is come to in respect of
difficulties connected with warming and ventilstiqg ar.e
rangements. There are 1,186 men engaged on the
works, of whiCh number 774 are employed at the build
•
ing, 83 at the quarries, 202 at the Go,vernment
work-
shops at Thames Bank, upon the joinersworks, and 127
men upon miscellaneous works connected wish the new
Palace, both at the building and elsewhere.„

ALLEGED MUTINY ON BOARD THE COMMBIA.—
Thursday we communicated the melancholy,. loss of Captain
Rathbone, of the Columbia, who, with the mate and several
!'otrlirtco this port.
washed overboard on the voyage from New
,).
port. We have just learned, and with regret,
that after the captain's death, the ci ew became insubordinate.
There were but six cabin passengers on board; and the crew,
it is alleged, broke into the cabin, pilfered it, and also over-
hauled the luggage of the passengers, throwing what ap-
peared useless into the sea. The Columbia, which had lost
her foremast and several of her spars, was spoken soon after-
wards by the Lady Falkncr, anA asked if assistance were re-
quired? One of the passengers, with a speaking trumpet,
shouted "yes," one of the crew answering "no." She was
boarded, and the ma# of the Lady F'alkner took her in com-
mand. The crew strenuously wished to put into Cork; he
took a pilot on board as if foi that purpose; but, deceiving
them, brought the vessel here. Captain Cropper, sent out by
the consignees, boarded her this morning in the Channel, and
several of the crew have been placed under arrest.
MORTALITY OF LONDON.—The total nurr.b.n. of
ee tths in the metropolis for the week ending last Saturday'.
as made up by the Registrar-General, was 1,225, being )27
above the weekly average of the past five winters. The
number of births during the week was 1,334-679 males, and
655 females,