The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-24 00:00:00

THE SUN, LON/noigt SA.TURDAYNO.RNI NO, APRIL 24, Y.

COURT CIRCULAR,
Ti.e Queen and Prince Albert, accompanied uy the Prince
of \Vales, and the Princess Loyal, took an airing in an open
carriage and four yesterday. Major- General Wemyss and
Captain the Hon. A. H. Gordon attended on horseback.
His Roy al Highness Prince Albert, attended by Mr. G. E.
Anson and Captain the Hon. A. H. Gordon, honoured the
Water Colour Exhibition with a visit yesterday.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent visited the
Queen yesterday at Buckingham Palace, and remained to
luncheon with her Majesty and Prince Albert.
Their Royal Highnesses Prince Alfred, the Princess Alice,
and the Princess Helena, took airings in the Royal gardens
yesterday.
His Royal highness Prince Albert presided yesterday
afternoon at a Committee of the Commission for Promoting
and Encouraging the Fine Arts in the Rebuilding the Palace
of Westminster. His Royal highness arrived at the new
Palace at three o'clock, attended by Captain the Hon. A. H.
Gordon. The Commissioners present were the Marquis of
Lansdowne, the Earl of Aberdeen, Viscount Morpeth, Vis-
count Mahon, the Right Hon. T. B. Macaulay, Sir Robert
H. Inglis, Mr. 11. Hallam, and Mr. Wyse. The secretary,
Mr. Eastlake was in attendance.
Prince Albert, attended by his Equery in Waiting, left at
quarter before six o'clock, when the Commission broke up.
Her Majesy and Prince Albert, attended by the Duehes,
of Sutherland, the Countess of Charlemont, Hon. Miss Kerr,
Hon. Miss Cavendish, the Earl of Morton, Lord Georg
Lennox, Major the Hon. Robert Boyle, Captain Francis
Seymour, Major General \\ .enyss, and Captain the Hon. A.
11. Gordon, honoured with their presence yesterday evening
the performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio " Elijah," by the
Sacred Harmonic Society, at Exeter-hall.
On arriving at the Hall, at s.ven o'clock, her Majesty and
his Royal Highness were received by Mr. Harrison, the
President; Mr. J. Taylor, the 'Treasurer; Messrs. Brewer
and Rowley, the Secretary and Librarian of the Society;
and other members of the Committee, who had the honour of
conducting the illustrious party to the royal gallery prepared
for the occasion.
Her Majesty remained throughout the entire perform-
ance, and shortly after ten o'clock was conducted to her
carriage with the same ceremony as was observed on her •
arrival.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent visited the
Duchess of Gloucester, yesterday, at Gloucester House.
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended by
Lady Augusta Bruce, and 'Lord James Murray honoured the
performance of the French Plays with her presence yesterday
evening,
Among the visitors to view the pictures of the Queen and
Prince Albert, and the Royal Family, in St. James's Palace,
yesterday, were the Duke of Wellington, Lady Charles
Wellesley, the Mexican Minister, and Sir George and Lady
Grey.
Sir John Hamner, Bart.. M.P., Mr. Hutt, M.P., Mr.
Mclfett, M.P., and a deputation from Hull, consisting of Mr.
Sheriff Lee, !Ir. Alderman Atkinson, Mr. Councillor Seaton,
Mr. Thompson' Town Clerk; and Mr. Mc Manus, Superin-
tendent of the Borough Police, had an interview with Sir
George Grey, yesterday, at the Home-office.
A deputation from the iron masters and coal proprietors of
Swansea had an interview with the Right Hon. Edward
Strutt yesterday at the office of the commissioners of

railways.
Lord Ashley, Lord John Manners, and a deputation had
an interview with Lord John Russell y esterday at his official
residence in Downing-street.
A deputation of wholesale and retail spirit dealers, con-
sisting of Mr. Charles Ireland, Governor of the Incorporated
Society of Licensed Victuallers • Mr. Thomas Keaseley, Past
Governor; Mr. Benjamin Bingley (Shoreditch), Mr. Alfred
Gurney (Islington), Mr. J. F. Homer (Hackney), and Mr.
Stevens (Southwark), had an interview with the Chancellor
of the Exchequer yesterday at his official residence in Down-
ing-street.
A deputation from the Caledonian Railway Company, con-
sisting of Mr. Manby and Mr. Oliphant, had an interview
with the Right Hon. E. Strutt. Sir George Strickland, M.P.,
had also an interview, yesterday, with Mr. Strutt, in Great
George-street.
Lieutenant-General Sir Richard Bourke, had an interview
with Earl Grey yesterday at the Colonial Office.
Mr. Beckett Denison, M.P., accompanied the deputation
on Copper Ore to Lord John Russell on Thursday.
Lord Sandon, and a deputation, had an interview yesterday
with Sir George Grey.
The Solicitor-General for Ireland had an interview with
the Earl of Clarendon yesterday, at the office of the Board of
Trade.

SPORTING INTBLLIGENCE.
NEWMARKET FIRST SPRING MEETING.
LATEST BETTING ON THURSDAY NIGHT.

NEWMARKET STAKES.
Even on Cossack I 6to 4 agst War Eagle
7 to 1 agst Sister to Cobweb colt—taken
CHESTER CUP.
9 to 1 agst Dulcet (t) I 25 to 1 agst Mickey Free
9 to 1 agst Mendicant 1 30 to 1 agst Sir Martin
10 to 1 agst The Lamb I 30 to 1 agst Plaudit
25 to 1 agst St. Lawrence Isoto 1 agst Emigrant (t)
Best Bower was declared not to start.
THE DERBY.
5 to 1 agst Van Tromp I 25 to 1 agst War Eagle
6to 1 agst Conyngham (t) I 30 to 1 agst Mr. Martin
14 to 1 agst Glentilt 33 to 1 agst Ulysses
15 to 1 agst Planet 40 to 1 agst Red Hart
20 to 1 agst Cossack (t freely) 50 to 1 agst Horn of Chase

50 to 1 agst Liberator.
Upwards of 1,0001. was laid out on Van Tromp at 7 to 2,
9to 2, and sto 1, and a large sum on Cossack at 20 to 1,
1,000 to 30 and 35 to 1 about Red, but 0 to 1 afterwards
offered.

FRIDAY.
Handicap Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, for three and four-
yrs-olds. D.M.
Colonel Peel's Vert-Vert, 3 yrs, Bst 31b
Colonel Anson's Don Cesar, 3 yrs, Bst 51b
Mr. Batson's Present, (Pergama filly) 4 yrs, Bst 71b 3
Mr. Merton's Mouseling, 3 yrs, 7st I 2lb
Betting-2 to 1 each agst Vert-Vert and Mouseling, 3to
1 agst Don Caesar, and 4to 1 agst Present. A pretty race
between the first three; won by half a length, Don Cesar
beating Present by three parts of a length.
Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each for three yrs old fillies out of
mares that never bred a winner of more than 50/. at any
one time, Bst 71b each R.M.
Duke of Bedford's Bridle (F. Butler) 1
Lord Exeter's ch by H. Platotr out. of Macremma
Mr. Batson's by the Doctor out of Revelry
Betting-5 to 2on Bridle. The Macremma filly made the
running half way up the cords, where the favourite went up
and won easily by a length., The Revelry filly was beaten
early. Run in 1 min. 54 sec.

The Newmarket Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h ft, for three yrs
old colts. Bst 71b, and fillies, Bst 21b, the second to save his
stake. D.M. 23 Subs.
Mr. Pedley's Cossack (Templeriaan) 1
Mr. Bouverie's War Eagle
Mr. Payne's c by Venison, out of Cobweb.....
Colonel Pcel's Oregon
Lord Orford 's gr c by Clearwell, out of Angelina 5
Lord Exeter's Veronetz

petting-6 to 5 agst Cossack, sto 4 agst War Eagle, and
8 to 1 agst Cobweb colt. War Eagle made running at a
strong pace, closely attended by Cossack, the others being
out of the race before they had gone half the distance. The
two favourites went on together into the cords, and at one
moment it looked like a race ; War Eagle, however, cut it a
few strides from the chair, and Cossack ran in an easy winner
by a length; the Sister to Cobweb colt was beaten six or
eight lengths. Run in 1 min. 44 sec.
Match, 50 ; Ab. M. ; Bst 71b each.
Mr. Bouverie's War Eagle (Marson) 1
Mr. Shelley's Cutaway 2
High odds on War Eagle, who won in a canter.
Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h ft. Last half of Ab. M.
(3 Subs.)
Sir J. Hawley's Piccinino, Bst walked over
Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h ft, Bst 41b. T.Y C. (3 Subs.)
Lord E. Russell's Reminisence walked over
THE DENNY AND OAKS.—We mentioned yesterday that
it was proposed to change the settling day for these races,
from Tuesday to Monday, it having been represented, how-
ever, that although the alteration would be acceptable to
persons resident at a distance from home, and would be the
means of preventing " evil disposed" persons from drawing on
one day and being nosiest on the second (not an unfrequent
occurrence), it would be productive of very great inconve-
nience to the large book-makers, it has been determined to
adhere to the old settling day—Tuesday.

% P

31%
14%
338

PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
We can scarcely call to mind a more triumphant suc-
cess attendant on a first appearance than that which was
achieved by the young lady who on Thursday night made
her debtit at this theatre in the character of Amina, in

L.a Sonnambula. The selection of such a part, requir.
ing a combination of many varied qualifications, no
only as a vocalist, but as a tragic actress, and that in a
city which has witnessed the performances of Malibran,
Grisi, Persiani, Adelaide Kemble, and many of the
brightest ornaments and most gifted singers of the Eng-
lish stage, in the same character, indicated a thorough
confidence by the debutant in her own powers and capa-
bilities, a confidence which was not misplaced, as was
apparent by the result. A very full house had assem-
bled to witness the ambitious attempt, and many ap-
peared to think that the friends of the young lady had
acted unwisely in permitting her to undergo so severe
a test. The first scene, however, dissipated these
fears. She delivered the first cavatina with re-
markable grace and expression, which at once
gained the approbation of the audience, and was
hailed as a token of her future triumph. Her voice
is a full rich mezzo-soprano, of peculiar sweetness,
her articulation was excellent, and every wordidistinetly
expressed and perfectly audible. Her personal appear.
ante, too, was greatly in her favour; a beautifully formed
figure, of the middle size, with handsome, expressive
features, and graceful action, were well calculated to at-
tract and please the spectators, and disarm all hostile
criticism. The slight degree of nervousness that was at
first apparent speedily vanished; she attained full self-
possession, and delivered the various passages with great
force and brilliancy. From this moment her success was
certain, and at each successive effort she gained more
and more in the favour of the audience. The
finale to the first act attracted the most enthu-
siastic applause, and the young lady was called before
the curtain to receive the approbation so freely and
universally bestowed. The scraps of melody
poured forth during the period of somnambulism were
most artistically rendered, and the aria was given with
great effect, which again obtained well-merited sip •
plause. She was again recalled at the conclusion of bb e
opera, and received with loud cheers, while many Trio. ce
substantial marks of favour, in the shape of bouqu.e' ts,
afforded the strongest evidence of the impression she
had made. We cannot doubt the brilliancy of her
future career. There are few characters to whit ii the
successful representative of Amino, may not aspire c;; .she
has manifestly studied with assiduity and effect,. at id is
possessed of refined and cultivated taste. The 'Lllvino
of Mr. Allen was also remarkably well given— indeed
we do not know any actor on the English stag e who
could equal him in the.part. The beautiful as d well
known aria, " All is lost now," was rapturously et ,cored.
On the whole, we have never been more gratifis d with
the English version of the opera.

THE THROSTLE.—These birds are just T1C.19
more
numerous than agreeable in the neighbourhood of: :71arstang.
Mr. Saul, finding that they were making rathe r too free
with his new vegetable seed beds, was induced to c search out
their colony, and, to his surprke, found no fewer than nine
of their newly•made nests within 200 yards of h iss 'garden,
all in a line, in one fence. It need hardly be add, I that ha
remorselessly demolished every habitation.—Prey ton Chra-
nick.

SAGE VERDICT.—We have heard it st-Atet 1 that,
somewhere in this neighbourhood, the lower exttemit, 'es and
trunk of a child were lately found in a pond. The
jury, after knocking together their thick heads, row ned a
verdict which deserves to be put on record. " Found dviw, nod."

1 MVERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF LORDS, Apil 23.
ROYAL ASSENT.
The Royal Assent was given to-day by Commission
to the following Bills:—
The Exchequer Bills Bill, the Mutiny Bill, the
Marine Mutiny Bill, the Indemnity Bill, the Markets
end Fairs elausea Bill, the Gas Works
Clauses Bill, the Commissioners Clauses Bill, the
Waterivorks Clauses Bill, the Troops during
Elections Bill, the General Register House Edinburgh
Bill, and the District Fire Insurance Company of Bir-
mingham Bill.
Tee Lord Commissioners were, the Lord Chancellor,
the Earl of Minto, and the Marquis of Clanricarde.
The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat upon the Wool-
sack at Five o'clock.
Lord LYTTELTON presented a petition from Stour-
bii'lge in favour of a national poor-rate.:
In reply to a question from the Earl of WICKLOW,
The LORD CHANCELLOR said it was his intention
to move the second reading of the Encumbered Estates
(Ireland) Bill en Tuesday next.
Lord REDESDALE presented a petition from the
euardians of the North Eastern Union of the county of
:Suffolk against the Poor Removal Bill.
The Duke of RICHMOND presented petitions against
the Poor Removal Act.
( 'USTOMS' DUTIES BILL.
Lord. STANLEY presented a petition from the cola
porat on of Dublin against the Customs' Duties Bill.
The Noble Lord also presented a petition from the sight
listillers of England against the further reduction
of the differential duties on rum. After reading ex-
sects from the petition, he said that although there
Deere only eight signatures to this petition, the
interests which they represented might be judged
if from the amount of Excise duty they paid
nto the revenue. This amounted to no less a
sum than 3,500,0001. a year, the whole amount of
the revenue from the Excise being about six millions.
He had also to present a petition from Scotland regard-
mg a case which was somewhat different to the one he
had just troubled their Lordships with. It was from
the distillers of Scotland, and they complained that
while they were subjected to both the Customs and
Excise duties they were only allowed a draw-
back of half the duty they had originally paid.
fie had also petitions to the same effect from Suther-
land and numerous other places in Scotland.
Lord MONTEAGLE presented a petition from seve-
ral large distillers in Ireland against the Bill, and pray-
ing their Lordships not to pass the Bill into a law with-
out bestowing upon the subject the gravestconsiderations.
lie also presented a petition from some gentlemen of
.he highest respectability in some part of Scotland, the
name of whom did not reach the gallery, complaining of
the hardship inflicted upon them by the present regula-
tions with respect to " the allowances.
VENTILATION BILL.
The Earl of FITZWILLIAM gave notice of a mo-
tion on the subject of the Ventilation Bill.
CUSTOMS' DUTIES BILL.
The Earl of CLARENDON moved the second read-
ing of the Customs' Duties Bill. The differential duties
of 6d., would be sufficient to meet all the incidental ex-
penses. The duty on rum at present was, for England,
Bs. 7d., for Scotland, 4s. id., and for Ireland, 3s. sd.
The duty last year was reduced from ls. 6d. to Is., and
(here was no complaint heard from the distillers in
consequence. His Noble Friend ascribed that to the
circumstance of the alteration being made nearly at the
close of the session, but this could not operate to pre-
vent the distillers from expressing their feelings on the
subject, had they felt aggrieved. A claim, however, had
since been put forward for a differential duty
of Is. 4d. per gallon, but it was estimated on the other
hand, that making every allowance they were not en-
titled to a differential duty of more than 2d. He would
now the state the grounds on which this claim was sought
to be supported. The Noble Lord then went over the
various details, which in the estimation of the distillers
entitled them to this difference. The claims of the dis-
tillers in Scotland reached so far as Is. 6d., but on a
careful examination of the subject they were allowed
9id. only. But the Irish distillers had an allowancelof Is.
made to them, because it was supposed that
they- laboured under greater disadvantages than the
distillers of England. Originally the allowance made
to the Scotch distiller was ls. 4d., but it was
after wards reduced by a Committee of the House of
Commons to Bd. The Irish distiller claimed a penny,
but h e thought the claim could not be supported, in as far
as the Irish distiller was amply compensated by the 34(1.
allowed to the English rectifier for his loss in the pro-
cess of rectifying. If the whole of the spirit distilled in
this country were to be distilled from malt, the duty
must be charged as a differential duty, in the same way
as it was charged upon the foreign or colonial export
ifitroduced. The Scotch distillers did not, however, use
malt. It was used only for the purpose of making a
better spirit, in improving its quality ; and if the Scotch
distiller were allowed a drawback on the malt, he might
just as well claim something for the spices and essential
oil which were used in their manufacture. Now, if they
wes e to give protection according to the ingredients
use d in the manufacture of spirits, they ought at once
to listen to the claim of the English distiller for protec-
tio n against the competition to which they were sub-
ject `Rd by Scotland and Ireland. The quantity of spirit
mai iufietured in England was 5,500,000 galls. per annum.
Thil quantity imported from Scotland was 2,150,000 galls.
amil from Ireland, 1,400,000 gallons; making a total of
3,5;50,000 gallons imported from the two countries,
sho a ing a competition with British spirits to the extent
of tle.see. fifths. Ile did not think, therefore, that the
clai us of the Irish and Scotch distillers to further pro-
tecti on could be entertained. They were already in a
most favourable position to enable them to compete with
the I titish manufacturer, and with that advantage they
ought to be satisfied.
Le r d STAN LEY said, the great question to be con-
sidere I was, what amount of ditty ought to be paid
which would be most equitable between the English diS-
tilleri, is, and those of the colonies.
placed
aufboaeoeyenrer
dde furthersiapsnnfa.
differential
toffliyneep hsroeranut
iwt,positionioiprotection.tahnhlo
dotfuhtei
neveraet
sshW colonies.
Th 4 , Duke of MONTROSE said this question had
ntootbeas3
never been fairly discussed. The Scotch distillers did
iowhr abcetoer
benteohsndueo ay: r
consulted
egl '
dsei.an
Petep:eiol cls teei
rdvse:
;anted
ptTheltthol oeyned cwppodtrramihooss :::
subject, or a broader distinction would have
been dra vvn between spirits produced in Scotland and
the spirit ..s of the colonies. The consequence was the
excise regulations inflicted great loss upon the Scotch
distiller In cold weather the excise did not allow
sufficient ti me to admit of malt going through the pro-
cess of disti Nation. Besides the foreign distiller was
only charged for the amountof spirits which was taken out
of bond, why real the British distillers were charged for
the spirit win la\ it left the still. The loss incurred by
this alone am uslnted to a considerable sum, and entitled
the distillers ( of this country to the differential duty they
claimed. The, various processes also which the English
distillers were; obliged to carry on in different places,
and at differet it times, in the manufacture of their spirits,
was an additi, snal argument to induce the Government
not to propose any reduction on the differential duty.
Mr. Goulburn stated that the case of the Scotch distillers
had been mu, ]:1-1 over-rated, but he (the Duke of Mon-
trose) thought that the ex: Chancellor of the Exchequer
did not come to a correct conclusion in making such a
statement; fo r when the various excise regulations and
restrictons were carefully considered, there could be very
little doubt that the estimate of claims had not been over-
stated. Ile had not the least hesitation in saying, that
if these various restrictive regulations were removed,
there woalt 1 be some grounds for proposing a further re-
duction in the duties, but so long as they remained as
burdens of i the British distillers, it was only fair and just
they slit nil d have that protection, which placed them on
a level a tit h the colonial spirit prOducers. He would,
therefore .conclude by proposing, as an amendment, that
the Bill be referred to a Select Committee. lie
did not t' mink their Lordships were competent to judge
of the pi esent question without a knowledge of details
with whi• .I.h they were not at present acquainted. It
was his ilsm belief that if their :Lordships acceded to
this Bill tt,ey would Arrive at a judgment without a duo
knowlec'sge of the subject. They had todeal with a question
ac:r.teswpoecutlidvebepatroishthesr,oawnda ltahr
agte aat ma oun at
periodof
wp
ho oe
en
in which a vast amount of employment was required. The
oonnlytheorr
htpiheoehortghrweeeamrteeettesnurdfoeurrwbine:gsrtatohneebeier.
tTrh,
Ile
eplreaecnt
wdi
v, e tc.,4 1 ;
aril ine.
ri toeetrhsesesirtt
iveiasenwdv i
iintthhwe
considers a. The taste for whisky was so strong that it '
was not t 3, be supposed that the inhabitants of Scotland
would qui tidy accede to a measure like the present.
Lord C AMPBELL—This was a subject of consider-
able imp( irtance to the interests which it would effect.
He earn( sly hoped that their Lordships would refer
this matter to a Committee of the whole House.
The B lake of RICHMOND said that perhaps bis
Noble F n'end knew better how to drink Islay whiskey
than hove to make it. His Noble Friend did not appear
to be vary conversant with the subject in all its bearings.
A nstitur( : consideration had been promised for this
meas ore a t the close of the last session, and the result of
that -prom ise was a further protective duty imposed by
tbe 'Chum ellor of the Exchequer. That addition of 31,
which was made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to
the sum which he at first proposed, was made on the
re :presentation of the distillers themselves. His Noble
r2riend thought that the sum of 6d. was quite sufficient
for these distillers, and then unconsciously made out a
still stronger reason for the inquiry, which was de-
manded. He hoped and trusted that a long time would
not elapse before the malt tax would be repealed. That
tax was a burden which ought long since to have
been removed from the statute book. The people bad
long since agitated for cheap bread, and they would now
insist upon cheap beer.
Lord STANLEY said that it might be true that the
question of free trade did not enter into this discussion,
but a question of justice to two great interests did inter-
fere—two interests which might be materially affected
by the course which might be taken by the House. He
had heard with mach astonishment the declaration of the
Noble Lord opposite, that 6d. was a fair and sufficient
compensation to the distillers. He was riot one of those
who would call upon their Lordships to make great sa-
crifices for the West India interests, but he did say that
neither the West India proprietors, the Brazilitle, or the
Cuban proprietors, had any right to ask to be placed in
our markets, in a position superior to the native manu-
facturer.—(hear, hear.) He granted that they might be
admitted upon an ( quality. This question was one
which turned upon the accurate calculation of the smallest
sums. llis Noble Friend had said that be would give
3d. to these distillers, though they claimed 6d. His reason
for giving only that sum, was that he thought, from cal-
culations which he had made, that that sum would
meet the demand upon them. That was really begging
the whole question, for it then came to the consideration
of which was right—his Noble Friend or the distillers.
There were many restrictions placed upon the distiller
which were most injurious to him. Due notice had to
be given of every operation that was to be performed in

the distillery. They were not allowed to open more
than one vat of wort at the same time, and if there were
two vats of wort in the distillery, and one of these vats
burst, although there was a plug from one vat to the
other by which all the wort could be saved, yet the
distiller was prohibited by a heavy penalty from drawing
that plug; and, if the excise ofilcer were not present, he
must see the liquor run to waste. At the same time, let
their Lordships remember that the value of the c•ntents
of one of these ordinary vats was 1,5001., and the duty
which was paid upon it was 1,200 L; so that not only did
the distiller lose 1,5001., the value of the wort, but
1,2001. the duty paid upon it, and not one shilling of
which would be returned to him by the Excise. Should
their Lordships allow any interference with the rights of
people so heavily oppressed as the distillers already
were, without some inquiry into the mode by which they
were about to alter a system which had existed for
years. He trusted that their Lordships would not
refuse their assent to the motion of his Noble Friend
behind him.
Earl GREY admitted the ability of the speech of the
Noble Lord who had iust sat down, hut he could not
agree with his conelusions. He considered the argu-
ments of the Noble Earl who had made the motion for
the second reading had not been answer( el, and he would
simply oenfine himself to the question as it had regard
to the colonies. With regard to the differential duty,
he thought 6d. a gallon would be a fair difference, but
in the other House it was found that it would be difficult
to carry that, and therefore it had be, n changed to the
9d. now proposed. The amendment of the Noble Duke
for a Select Committee, was only a side way
of getting
rid of the Bill altogether, as they were wall aware they
had no power to alter any of its provisions. Should the
Select Committee report and recommend to alter any of
its provisions, and they should attempt to give effect tothat
recommendation, the Bill would be lost altogether. The
Bill, in its present form, had received the sanction of a
large majority of the other House, and he could see no
benefit that could arise from the course now proposed.
The case of the Scotch and Irish distillers had been as
fully stated by the Noble Lords who opposed the Bill,
as it could be before a Select Committee. On the other
ha'.d, the advantages of the Bill had been as well stated
by the Noble Lord, who moved the second reading.
This, then, was the proper stage for deciding the ques-
tion, instead of leaving it to a Select Committee. In
1830, the distillers of the country made a representation
to the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, pressing their
case on his attention. All they then claimed was a
differential duty of ls. 6d. a gallon. By their own
showing, 9Ad. of this, was on account of the extra price
of grain. Since then the corn-laws had been repealed,
and now the real difference they could claim, according
to their own showing was but Bitl. Now, the pre.
sent Bill gave them a differential duty of ninepence,
which was full as much as they claimed in
1830. This was a full and paid duty. But it might be
told him that this applied only to the English distillers,
and left out of consideration the Irish and Scotch dis-
tillers. Now he considered the latter were as well off
as the English distillers. This was shown by the fact
that the Scotch distillers could at present meet the Eng-
lish distiller in his own market, and beat him. This was
further shown by the fact, that at present, of all the
spirits distilled in Great Britain, the quantity distilled in
Ireland and Scotland was as five to four. This arose
from the superior flavour of the article made in those
countries, as compared with that of England. These
distillers, therefore, would be as able as ever to compete
with the English distillers. He trusted that their Lord-
ships on these grounds would agree to the passing of the
Bill. There were other reasons why they should do so.
Last year the colonies had been exposed to great com-
petition, and ill feeling and excitement had been the re-
sult; but by the late advices the report of the measures
now in progress of being passed, had done much to pacify
them, and a better tone and feeling now prevailed. He
could conceive of no course more fatal to the prosperity
of the colonies than the rejection of this Bill, and there-
fore he implored their Lordships to assent to it, sanc-
tioned as it had been, by an overwhelming majority of
the other House of Parliament.—(Hear, hear.)
Lord MONTEAGLE said their Lordships, in passing
the former customs, had been guilty of a great injus-
tice to the distillery interest of this country. Upon
former occasions, in justice to himself, he had occupied
a good deal of their Lordships' time and attention, in
endeavouring to induce them to resist several proposi-
tions on former Customs Duties Bills ; but unfortu-
nately his warning was not listened to ; and now their
Lordships, or rather the Government, seeing the folly
they had been guilty of, were retracing their steps.—
(Hear, hear.) He entertained many objections to
the present measure, and he must again occupy the
time of their Lordships while he pointed out to
them, that in passing this Bill they would be again be
guilty of injustice towards a large manufacturing interest.
The distillery trade was most complicated, and with the
scanty information their Lordships had before them, he
was sure their Lordships were not in a position to come
to any positive conclusion upon this subject. Why, then,
should their Lordships resist inquiry ? It was a matter
which required the most careful and minute investiga-
tion. By their former legislation, their Lordships had
nearly ruined several of the most extensive distillers of
this country, and with such a lesson as that before them,
he thought that inot only their Lordships, but
her Majesty's Government, ought to be anxious
for inquiry. But no. The Ministers who
had already addressed their Lordships, not
content with resisting the particular inquiry, had
gone so far as to declare that all inquiry was unneces-
sary. Many eminent political economists and commer-
I cial men differed in their opinions upon this subject ;
and, with the knowledge of that fact, it was their bou'•
den duty to institute an inquiry. A miscalculation
Government upon a former occasion had nearly involved
many parties in ruin ; and, to guard against another
such catastrophe, he trusted their Lordships would
not be led away by the specious arguments of Noble
Lords who are opposed to an inquiry. Upon these
grounds, therefore, he should vote for the amendment of
his Noble Friend opposite.
Their Lordships then divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment ..................... 48
Against it .............................. 57
Majority against it ............ —9
p
The Bill was then ordered to be committed on Monday.
Their Lordshis then adjourned.

HOUSE OF COMMONS. Ap
The SPEAKER took the Chair at Four o'clock.
ROCHDALE WATERWORKS.
On the motion of Mr. W. PATTEN, the report on the
Rochdale Watervi orks Bill was further considered and
agreed to, and ordered to be engrossed.
BA'FHWICK CHURCH BILL.
Mr. W. MILES moved the second reading of the
Bathwick Church Bill.
Mr. ROEBUCK opposed the second reading of the
Bill, and moved that it be read a second time that day
six months. The object of the Bill was to levy
fresh rates upon the arishioners, to raise funds
which had been renderepd necessary by the 'aches of
the trustees of the parish for the last thirty five years.
They had misappropriated funds that had been com-
mitted to their charge upon a most .sacred trust, and it
was too much, after they had placed themselves in such
a situation, to come down to that House and ask them
to sanction an Act of Parliament to get them out of
their difficulty.
Dr. BOWRING seconded the amendment.
Mr. W. MILES justified the conduct of the trustees
who had been great losers, and trusted that the House
would sanction the Bill.
Lord DUNCAN supported the amendment.
Lord W. POWLETT was in favour of the second
reading of the Bill.
Mr. DICKINSON said that, if the House sanctioned
the second reading of the Bill, he should be prepared to
go into the consideration of the measure in Committee
without bias either to one side or the other.
Mr. ESTCOURT supported the second reading.
After a few words from Mr. HENRY BERKELEY,
the House divided, when there appeared—
For the second reading 7l
Against it
Majority in favour of the second reading —52
The Bill was then, after a few words from Mr. Hume,
Mr. Hudson, and Mr. M. J. O'Connell, read a second
time.
IMPERIAL CONTINENTAL GAS ASSOCIATION
BILL.
This Bill was read a second time.
PAYNE'S PATENTS ASSIGNMENT BILL.
This Bill was also read a second time.
The following reports were brought up and received:—
Colchester, Stour 'Valley, Sudbury, and Halstead
Railway (Extension to Meltord, Lavenham, and Clare).
Great Northern Railway (Deviations between Peter-
borough, Boston, and Gainsborough).
Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway Act Amend-
ment and Branches.
Sir Augustus Clifford appeared at the table to sum-
mon the House to the House of Peers, to hear the Royal
Assent given by commission:to certain public and private
Bills (for which see EDUCATION.reort

Mr. HUME presented a petition from the ministers
and presbyters of Derbyshire, adopted at their annual
meeting, repealing their protest against any appropria-
tion of the national fund for the purposes of any sect.
BURY AND IPSWICH RAILWAY.
Captain PECHELL presented a petition against the
Bury and Ipswich Railway.
awy by the
Mr. NEWDEGATE said that he was very anxious to
call the attention of the House to a petition which had
been
magistrates,
clergy entry
egT ren Valleyresidentß a iti Nauneaton.
The high road leading from the market-place of Nun-
eaton, in which centered the high road leading from Co-
"wry, Birmingham, and Allaston, was to be raised six
feet, for the purpose of being crossed at a level by this
line. The opposition w hich had been brought
forward by some mistake had never gone be-
fore the Committee, otherwise the railway company
would have been compelled to build a bridge.
He hoped that either now or hereafter something would
be done to meet the wishes of the petitioners, and in
order that the difficulty which the inhabitants of Nun-
eaton complained of might be rectified.
sionirinSitliieWlToTusreosact h,tbuetl in consequence of the confu-
sion it was almost impossible
to hear his observations. He was understood to say
that the Railway Commissioners had sent down an en-
gineer to examine the works, who had reported that
give any decided recommendation, although
it would be impracticable to construct the road in the
manner desired by the petitioners. Under these cir-
cumstances the Commissioners felt that they were not
expressing their regret that the
parties to the railway had not given their sanction to a
crossing on the level so near to a town of importance.
NORTH MIDLAND RAILWAYS.
athu,yocr(i)sueldd
An HON. MElannit presented three petitions in
favour of those branches.
to give
help
HARWICH RAILWAY.
Sir ROBERT PEEL b-gged to make the motion of
which notice had been given by his Right Hon.
Friend the Member for the University of Call 2

bridge--that the petition respecting the Harwich
Railway should be referred to the Committee on the Bill.
The grounds on which the resolution he had moved was
founded were contained in a petition presented to the
House from the shipowners, and others connected with
the shipping interest, between the north of centrel
Europe and the port of Harwich. The petitioners
stated that in the session of 1843-4 two Bills were
introduced into Parliament for railways to the
port of Harwich, and were both lost. In the ensuing
year two other Bills were brought in and lost on some
technical formalities in the standing orders. Two other
Bills were introduced the next year, and one was re-
jected by the House of Commons, the other by the
House of Lords.—(Laughter.) He suspected that in the
case of any other two rival lines their Bills might be
liable to share the same fate, and, therefore, lie ex-
pected that the House would accede to the resolution.
Mr. STRUTT, who was very indistinctly heard, on
account of the noise in the House, was understood to
say, that, in the respective circumstances of the case, he
had no objection to offer.
Mr. HUDSON wished to know whether this was to
be taken as a precedent in future, or whether the Rail-
way Commissioners had power to decide filially on the
various cases of railways that caine before them ; fir
he (Mr. Hudson) knew many Bills of < (pally grave im-
portance in like circumstances, and pressing on the
attention of the House.
Mr. STRUM' referred the llm. Mc tuber to the
clause of the Act of last year in reference to the powers
with which the Commissioners had be en constituted.
Captain BERESFOitI) thought the matter before
them was one of great importance, considering the
great traffic, by steam and other shipping, which
existed between the port of Harwich and the
ports of Central Europe. That was the reason
which would make this measure most desir-
able. The port of Harwich was an exceed-
ingly fine one ; he had often seen five hundred sail of
merchantmen lying in the harbour safe and secure,
and the Government had kindly consented to
spend a large sum of money for the purpose
of improving it. The line was put so far back in the
classification list—to the 31st of May—that it would be
utterly impossible that it could pass the present session;
they had made repeated endeavours to pass it through Par-
liament, but hitherto their efforts had proved ineffectual.
Sir R. PEEL said that there were public reasons why
there should be a communication by railway from London
to Harwich, for the public were about to incur a consi-
derable expense in the alteration and improvement of
the port of Harwich. He thought that there was nothing
more lamentable, than to see rival schemes wasting their
money on lawyers in opposing each other. He had not
the slightest doubt that if the Railway Commissioners
took the matter in hand, and brought the parties toge-
ther, they would come to an amicable arrangement, and
thus spare the expense which had been going on for
three years, and the result of which would be the in-
crease of the tolls to the public. It was infinitely pre-
ferable to come to such an adjustment, and the parties
themselves would, he thought, be willing to abide by
the decision of the Railway Commissioners, whose
friendly arbitration would spare the necessity of spend-
ing the money of these companies.
Mr. F. FRENCH dil a )t tt ink that ,he parties e oat 1
be at all willing to refer the matter to the decision of the
Railway Commissioners.
The motion was then agreed to.
EXPENDITURE IN IRELAND.
Mr. ROEBUCK gave notice that, on Thursday next,
he should move for a return of the money hitherto ex-
pended in Ireland, and the mode of application.
AFFAIRS OF PORTUGAL.
Sir DE LACY EVANS rose to ask the Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs, or the Noble Lord at the head
of the Government, respecting the result of the inter-
cession of the British Government with that of Portugal,
concerning the Generals and troops who were lately
granted an honourable capitulation by Marshal Saldanha,
and who are said to have been since transported to the
penal and unhealthy colony of Angola, in the present
case referred to, the troops retired with the honours of
war, and were promised to be treated as soldiers usually
are under such circumstances. He regretted, however,
that this had not been the case. They had been marched
to Lisbon, put on board of ship, and crowded together
in the most oppressive manner, and afterwards,
as he understood, had been sent to a penal
colony in Africa. He admitted the Government bad a
right to detain these parties, but not to treat them with
cruelty; the present Government had promised to inter-
cede, but three months had transpired and nothing was
done. He wished to know, whether the Noble Lord the
Colonial Secretary could give any information on the
subject.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL said that at present the belief
was that these persons were not sent to Angola, but that
it was intended that they should be sent there. The
ground stated for this determination was that they had
friends in Lisbon, and that it would be dan-
gerous to allow them to remain in the country.
This did not appear to the British Govern-
ment a sufficient reason, and they instructed their
representative at the Court of Lisbon to express their
objection to such a proceeding. The Government had
not yet received any communication in reply, but they
had every reason to hope that the intentions of the Por-
tuguese Government would not be carried into effect.
BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE.
In answer to a question from Capt. PECHELL,
Lord J. RUSSELL said that he could not at present
state on what day of the week the Health of Towns
13i11 would be taken. As it might assist the House
in forming some estimate of the manner in which
the public business would be taken, he might inform
them that, on the assumption that they went into Com-
mittee that night, and came to the conclusion on the
debate with respect to the vote for education, he shculd
propose that the report be received on Monday next.
After that his Right Hon. Friend the Chancellor of the
Exchequer wished to take a vote, in order to enable the
Exchequer Crown Commissioners to advance certain
large sums to the furtherance of railways in Ire-
land, which they were unable to do at present,
It was proposed on an early day to take into considera-
tion the Prisons Bill. On Friday he proposed to take the
two Bills which had reference to Ireland, viz., the Poor-
law Supervision Bill and the Bill for the Suppression of
ovfagtrhaenci,'.act Torhye
ilßl Hon.inGtehnatlterioaunsew,hhoadhaadpptlhieedcotondhuicmt
(Lord J. Russell) respecting the difficulty of obtaining
an early day on which the third reading
might be taken, and he proposed that a Go-
vernment day should be given for this purpose.
He, therefore, intended to apply Monday, 3d of May,
for that purpose, and on Monday, the 17th, he proposed
to go on with the Railway Bill brought in by his Hon.
Friend (11r. Strutt).
FACTORY BILL. _

Mr. BRIGHT said that he understood that a me-
morial had been presented by 40S manufacturers, em-
ploying 14,000 workmen, with an invested capital of
14,000,0001., protesting against any further interference
with their trade by means of the contemplated Factory

Bill.
Lord J. RUSSELL had no objection to give it.
HEALTH OF TOWNS.
The Earl of LINCOLN wished to ask a question
which had become necessary, as the Noble Lord had
now stated the business which was to occupy the House
for several days in advance. The question was as to
when the Health of Towns Bill was to be taken. This
was a subject of considerable importance—of so much
importance, indeed, that her Majesty's Government
had deemed it advisable to notice it in her Majesty's
speech at the commencement of the Session, and he
trusted therefore that the Noble Lord would appoint an
early day for the discussion of the Bill. He thought
the Bill might be taken on the 10th of May, and thin
some day might be fixed shortly afterwards for proceed-
ing with it through the subsequent stages.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL would give an answer some
day next week.